The ash released by the volcano Grimsvoetn continues to threaten European air traffic, although the intensity decreased, allowing the re-opening of the international airport in Iceland. “The question is whether the ash on Tuesday will affect Scotland and Northern Ireland, says expert Gunnar Gudmundsson, from the Icelandic Meteorological Institute.
The strength of the eruption is still considered “significant” and, according to meteorologist Peitur Arason, “Low-altitude currents are blowing in the direction of Great Britain, while at higher altitudes, direction is northwest.
Because of low altitude currents, air traffic in Europe could be disrupted in the coming days.
European air safety organization Eurocontrol, said that neither Monday nor Tuesday the airports will not be closed in Iceland.
Institute of British weather, Met Office, said that volcanic ash will reach Scotland and Northern Ireland on Monday night.
Loganair cargo company has already announced the cancellation of 36 flights scheduled for Monday, mostly in Scotland. The ash cloud is likely to expand to France and Spain, warns Eurocontrol.
The eruption of another volcano in Iceland, Eyjafjoell in April 2011, has caused serious disruption to air transport in Europe, with more than 100,000 flights canceled and several million passengers stranded for a month.
U.S. President Barack Obama will leave Ireland on Monday evening destination, instead of Tuesday morning because of the risk of disruption of air traffic as a result of the Icelandic volcano ash, according to the White House spokesperson.