Some flights operating, but more ash heading this way

Flights have been getting away from Ronaldsway today (Tuesday), but as hopes are raised of a gradual opening of airspace over Britain a new ash cloud appears to be heading towards the country from Iceland.

Airports in Scotland are open again for now (midday) but the latest volcanic eruption is threatening the staggered re-opening of United Kingdom airspace today.

It was hoped to open airspace north of London from 1pm but it's now being reported that no flights will take off from Manchester before 7pm.

More than half of planned flights are expected to operate across Europe today, although very few will be in the UK.

The only airports which are open are in Scotland and Newcastle Airport.

The flight ban may be lifted elsewhere this evening, and an update is expected from air traffic control officials later.

Ronaldsway opened as usual at 6.15 this morning and Manx2.com's first flight to Blackpool got away on time.

Manx2 says it is currently flying its Belfast and Blackpool flights as scheduled.

Passengers travelling to Newcastle and Leeds are being flown to Blackpool then on to their destinations by coach.

Airport Director Anne Reynolds says the situation is highly unpredictable.