Volcanic ash may close Irish airspace

DUBLIN, Ireland - Ireland's Aviation Authority says it may impose a no-fly zone over the country because of concerns about the southward drift of volcanic ash from Iceland.

The authority says northeasterly winds are causing the ash cloud, originating from southern Iceland, to drift south to Ireland. It has informed Irish-based airlines it may be forced to restrict flights.

It said the potential restrictions could affect Dublin and other regional airports, but British airports including Heathrow in London will not be impacted.

Iceland's Meteorological Office said a change of wind direction in the past few days meant that the ash cloud was blowing south and southeast toward Europe, rather than northward over Iceland.

- AP