The Irish Aviation Authority has announced flight restrictions at six airports from midnight because of an increase in volcanic activity in Iceland.
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The restrictions at Shannon, Donegal, Sligo, Knock, Galway and Kerry airports will be staged and will remain in place until 1pm tomorrow afternoon.
Dublin, Cork and Waterford airports will remain open.
The IAA said: 'While the northerly winds are keeping the bulk of the cloud out in the Atlantic, the increased size of the cloud is encroaching on Irish airspace along the west coast of Ireland.
'Due the expected position of the ash cloud during the next 18 hours, it is essential that the airports along the west coast will have restrictions imposed in the interest of safety of passengers and crews.
'The restrictions are required as the increased level of recent volcanic activity has created a massive ash cloud stretching 1,000 miles long and 700 miles wide.'
IAA Chief Executive Eamonn Brennan said the situation would be reviewed at 9am tomorrow morning.
Passengers are still advised to check with their airlines before they travel to the airports.
Details of airport closures
- Shannon Airport from 3am to 1pm.
- Donegal Airport from 12am to 12pm.
- Sligo Airport from 12am to 1pm.
- Ireland West (Knock) Airport from 3am to 1pm.
- Galway Airport from 3am to 1pm.
- Kerry Airport from 7am to 1pm.
Aer Lingus say the only aiport closure affecting them is Shannon and passengers hoping to travel should check the Aer Lingus website for updates.
Ryanair said 18 of its flights have been cancelled at Shannon, Kerry and Knock.
