The Norwegian aviation authorities, Avinor, have closed the aviation area all over Northern Norway. It is predicted that air traffic will be affected in the skies over parts of northern Russia, Sweden and Finland as well.
Weather forecasters said the ash plume could drift over other areas of northern Europe as well.
It is unclear for how long the airspace will be closed. The aviation authorities says they will come updated information later Thursday. It can take a number of days before the ash cloud disappears.
Aash from the volcano on Iceland consists of pulverised rock and glass created by the eruptions and can jam aircraft machinery if a plane flies through the plume, shutting down the engines.
Such ash can also be can be sucked into the cabin itself, contaminating the passengers’ environment as well as damaging the plane’s electronic systems.
