OVERNIGHT most of the UK s airspace has been open, with the exception of an area over the north-west of Scotland which has continued to be affected by a dense concentration of volcanic ash. Between 1am and 7am today (Wednesday), NATS - the UK s leading ai

OVERNIGHT most of the UK's airspace has been open, with the exception of an area over the north-west of Scotland which has continued to be affected by a dense concentration of volcanic ash.

Between 1am and 7am today (Wednesday), NATS - the UK's leading air navigation services provider - handled 130 flights in airspace over England and Wales, and 35 flights in Scottish airspace.

A statement from NATS said: "We continue to work with the latest information and guidance from our safety regulator, the CAA, the Met Office, and the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre on the predicted movements of the area of dense volcanic ash.

"Based on the latest information, we anticipate that this area will continue to centre on the north-west of Scotland, and may extend further south into Scottish airspace during today."

The statement continued: "We are in regular contact with the UK airports and airline operators to understand the latest information on flights entering UK airspace, and our operation is ready to respond to an increase in demand."

Passengers should contact their airlines to find out how the current situation will affect their travel plans.