Gap in ash cloud only hope as air passengers face more chaos

Budget carrier Ryanair has cancelled its all scheduled flights to and from the UK and across much of northern Europe until 1pm on Monday.

Air traffic control firm NATS said no-fly restrictions would remain at most airports until 1pm today "at the earliest", though there was a possibility of some flights departing northern England this morning if an expected gap in the ash cloud materialised.

In Scotland, the situation improved markedly yesterday, with the first air passengers arriving home last night after restrictions were lifted.

But further south severe problems remain, with BA cancelling all flights in and out of London today. Transport Secretary Lord Adonis warned it is "likely that significant disruption to most UK air services will continue for at least the next 48 hours".

The cloud of ash from the erupting volcano has prevented nearly all flights from entering or leaving the UK since noon on Thursday, leaving tens of thousands stranded in the UK and abroad. The cost to the airline industry is estimated at about 27m per day.

English airports were mostly deserted yesterday but small groups of passengers unaware of the blanket ban turned up to find empty check-in desks and grounded aircraft.

Stranded travellers continued looking for alternative modes of transport, with Channel Tunnel operator Eurostar, East Coast trains and cross-channel ferry firms all promising extra services this weekend.

Eurostar reported its 58 services were all full yesterday, while P&O Ferries said it was unable to accept any further foot-passenger bookings before Monday "as a result of the unprecedented surge in demand".

Meanwhile health warnings were issued after volcanic ash was discovered in Yorkshire yesterday by a scientist from Sheffield Hallam University. Dr Hywel Jones spotted the dust on cars as he cycled in to work.