Ash cloud from Iceland’s erupting volcano disrupts air traffic across northern Europe

Ash from Iceland volcano disrupts European flights

LONDON — Ash clouds from Iceland’s spewing volcano have disrupted air traffic across Northern Europe as airports including Europe’s busiest terminal at Heathrow shut down and airlines canceled hundreds of flights.

British airport operator BAA Ltd. said London’s Heathrow and Stansted airports would close at midday Thursday (1100 GMT, 7 a.m. EDT) and was not immediately clear when flights could resume. Gatwick, Britain’s second-busiest airport, also planned to close.

British authorities also said no non-emergency flights will be allowed in any British airspace from noon.

Heathrow handles upwards of 1,200 flights and 180,000 passengers per day.

Irish authorities closed their airspace from midday until 6 p.m. local time.