Eruption "virtually ceased" - is the end in sight?

(AFP PHOTO / HO/ The Icelandic Coast Guard)

The Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) has said that the eruption of Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull volcano has "virtually ceased".

In its most recent advisory, the Met Office's VAAC said that the "eruption has virtually ceased with only small amounts of ash up to FL060" (6,000 feet).

This represents a significant improvement from the previous updates from the body, which is responsible for advising air traffic controllers on the danger of volcanic eruptions to aircraft.

Despite the cessation of the volcano's activity, VAAC predicts that volcanic ash will remain a continuing threat to aircraft across much of Europe. The plumes are also expected to reach Canadian shores and the southern tip of Greenland by midnight GMT on April 19.

British aviation authority NATS has confirmed that current restrictions across UK controlled airspace due to the volcanic ash cloud will remain in place until at least 0100 GMT on April 20.

The next update on European mainland airspace from Eurocontrol is expected at 19.30 GMT on April 19.

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/