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A volcanic eruption in Iceland has thrown a large amount of volcanic ash into the atmosphere over Northern Europe. This unforeseen natural phenomenon has resulted in a number of airport and airspace closures, as well as delays and disruptions at other airports in the region.

The European air traffic control organisation has said flights in the UK and Europe could be disrupted for another 48 hours.

Eurocontrol spokesman Brian Flynn said a lack of wind in the area meant the ash cloud was "progressing very slowly eastwards" and remained "very dense".

Up to 5,000 flights could have been affected by the end of Thursday.

The UK, Republic of Ireland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Belgium and the Netherlands closed their airspaces.

France shut down 24 airports in the north of the country, including the main hub of Paris-Charles de Gaulle, while Germany's Berlin and Hamburg airports were also closed on Thursday evening.

A spokesman for the UK's National Air Traffic Service (Nats) said its airspace restriction was the worst in living memory, and that it was "very unlikely that the situation over England will improve in the foreseeable future".

The restrictions will not be lifted before 1300 (1200 GMT) on Friday at the earliest.

The move silenced Heathrow airport, the world's second busiest, and stranded tens of thousands of passengers around the world.

At APX we are currently contacting travellers with flight bookings effected by the volcanic distruption. If you have not yet heard from us, and you are concerned about yours or your employees current or upcoming travel, please contact your designated Consultant immediately.

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