Press Advisory – Bardarbunga Update

The Icelandic Met Office has raised its aviation warning level near the Bardarbunga volcano to red after an eruption began overnight. Scientists said a fissure eruption 1km (0.6 miles) long started in a lava field north of the Vatnajokull glacier. A Notice to Airmen has been published by the Icelandic Civil Aviation Authority informing pilots of the danger area, where no flights will be permitted.

At present the UK Met Office advise that it is a lava eruption with no ash being emitted into the upper atmosphere. The Met Office further advise that current winds are such that if ash is emitted it is unlikely to affect UK airspace for the next couple of days. NATS is monitoring the situation and will be in close liaison with the CAA, airlines and airports should there be any risk of impact to UK or Shanwick Oceanic airspace.