AIRLINE passengers in Yorkshire and the Humber faced massive disruption after ash from Iceland’s volcanic eruption moved towards UK airspace causing a number of airports to close and flights to be cancelled.
A spokesman for Leeds Bradford International Airport said services had been suspended until 7pm on Thursday. He said 47 flights had been cancelled, affecting more than 3,500 passengers, but that three flights had departed for Dublin, Krakow and Amsterdam early on Thursday morning.
"At the moment, the airport has suspended services until 7pm this evening because of safety precautions," the spokesman said. "We are waiting for a further update as to whether flights will recommence this evening and we are hopeful the airport will reopen.
"We’re asking all passengers affected today to contact their airlines to get the latest information and to use our website for all the latest information on arrivals and departures."
A spokeswoman for Humberside Airport said eight flights had been cancelled on Thursday morning as a result of the ash.
She said: "We are currently open as an airport, however all operations have been suspended until midday and we are advising all passengers to check with their airline if they are due to travel today. This morning we have had four departures and four arrivals cancelled."
The spokeswoman said the situation would be reviewed but it was believed restrictions could remain in place for 24 hours.
