Via CNN.com:
Volcanic ash from Iceland severely disrupted air traffic across Europe for a second day on Friday, causing the cancellation of some 17,000 flights, according to the intergovernmental body that manages European air travel.
Eurocontrol said it expected around 11,000 flights to take place Friday, in contrast to the normal 28,000. The impact will last at least another 24 hours, Eurocontrol said Friday morning.
The ash has spread to large parts of northern Europe and has forced the closure of some of Europe’s busiest airports, causing more disruption to worldwide air travel than 9/11.
Airspace over much of the United Kingdom was closed to all flights except emergencies at least until 1 a.m. Saturday (8 p.m. ET Friday), Britain’s air traffic authority, NATS, said. Select flights were being allowed in Northern Ireland and Scotland, and some North Atlantic traffic may be allowed to those areas, it said.
