Airports open 'until further notice'

All Irish airports will remain open until further notice, the Irish Aviation Authority said in its latest update on the volcanic ash cloud.

The IAA said North Atlantic routes from Ireland improved today, leading to an easing of restrictions that were in place over the past few days.

However, some difficulties may still be encountered with flights to and from the Balearic islands, the Canaries, and Portugal.

European air traffic control agency Eurocontrol said it expects normal air traffic across Europe today.

It said areas of high ash concentration at lower altitudes are still affecting Madeira and the Azores and are also causing some difficulties for transatlantic flights.

The areas of higher ash concentration are expected to dissipate further during the day.

Passengers planning to travel by air over the coming days have been advised to regularly check their airline websites and the IAA website in advance of going to the airport.

Ryanair said it would put on more flights between Dublin, Edinburgh and London Stansted and the Canary Islands tomorrow to help stranded passengers.

Aer Lingus said it has deployed larger aircraft and an extra flight on its Dublin-Malaga route today to assist customers affected by cancellations in recent days.