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23 May at 2000 local: Based on the latest information at 1900 from the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) in London, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) does not expect that there will be any disruption to services in Irish airspace or at Irish airports for the next 24 hours.

The IAA is actively monitoring the situation and is in contact with the VAAC, Met Éireann, Department of Transport, airlines, airports, and adjacent and European air traffic service providers. 

Following the ash crisis of 2010 the IAA issued guidelines to airlines and aircraft operators for flights in airspace affected by concentrations of volcanic ash. These guidelines are designed to protect airlines operating through contaminated airspace, while also reducing disruption to services

In the event that Irish airspace is affected, the following arrangements will apply:

Areas of high density ash will be identified using information provided by the UK Met Office's VAAC. This is based on data provided from the source of the volcano, satellite, and weather balloons, as well as ground based instrumentation such as radar.

• Information on the high and medium density zones will be communicated to the aviation industry by means of a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and SIGMET (significant meteorological information.)

     • Any Irish airline wishing to operate in areas of high density ash will need to have a safety case accepted by the IAA.

A safety case sets out the measures airlines will put in place to mitigate the risk of flying through ash. They also include input from aircraft and engine manufacturers. Safety cases have been used by airlines for many years to set out how they will safely deal with other unusual or challenging issues.

As new information becomes available, the IAA will continue to provide updates. In the meantime, intending passengers should also check with their airline.   

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VAAC website: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/volcano/public/natlantic.html

The next update will be at 09.00 on the 24th May

ENDS

For further information contact:

Lilian Cassin, 087 647 4079 lilian.cassin@iaa.ie  

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