Dubai: As the Icelandic volcanic ash spread south Emirates has diverted its Glasgow-bound flight to Manchester.

The airline's spokesperson said in a statement: "Emirates' flight EK027 from Dubai Airport to Glasgow Airport was diverted to Manchester Airport on Tuesday, 24th May due to volcanic ash from the recent eruption of the Grimsvotn volcano in Iceland".

It added that Emirates provided ground transportation to ensure the passengers reached Glasgow Airport from Manchester Airport. "Emirates also provided ground transportation for passengers from Glasgow to Manchester for the return flight EK028 to Dubai," according to the statement.

Emirates said its all other flights to the UK and Europe continue to operate as per the schedule. "Emirates continues to monitor the situation closely, in addition to liaising with the relevant authorities regarding the movement of the volcanic ash cloud. Passengers are advised to check emirates.com for further updates," the airline said.

Flight diverted

"Emirates' flight EK027 from Dubai Airport to Glasgow Airport was diverted to Manchester Airport on Tuesday, 24th May due to volcanic ash from the recent eruption of the Grimsvotn volcano in Iceland.

"Emirates provided ground transportation to ensure the passengers reached Glasgow Airport from Manchester Airport. Emirates also provided ground transportation for passengers from Glasgow to Manchester for the return flight EK028 to Dubai.

"Emirates apologises for the inconvenience caused to its passengers, but the safety of all of Emirates' passengers, crew and aircraft is paramount.

"All other flights to the UK and Europe continue to operate as per the schedule. Emirates continues to monitor the situation closely, in addition to liaising with the relevant authorities regarding the movement of the volcanic ash cloud. Passengers are advised to check emirates.com for further updates."

Airline flight updates

Etihad Airways
"Etihad Airways flights to and from the UK and Europe are currently operating as normal, with the airline continuing to monitor the situation in relation to the volcanic eruption in Iceland.

"The airline is in close liaison with aviation experts, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Rolls Royce and General Electric, and has been assured that the airspace in areas where it operates is open and safe to fly.

"Etihad will continue to monitor the situation in association with the European and UK authorities, and is activating contingency plans should the situation change and require flight cancellations and diversions."

British Airways
"Following forecasts of significant volcanic ash in Scottish airspace, British Airways has decided as a precaution that it will not operate any flights between London and Scotland on Tuesday May 24 up until 2pm.

"At present all other flights are unaffected. We continue to monitor the situation and remain in close contact with the Civil Aviation Authority, National Air Traffic Services and the Met Office.

"Customers on any cancelled flights will be able to claim a full refund or rebook onto alternative flights."

Lufthansa
"Disruption to air services, particularly in north-western Europe, is expected due to the ash cloud from the Icelandic volcano. So far Lufthansa has hardly been affected. Due to the exceptional circumstances, however, Lufthansa has cancelled its flights scheduled for today from FRA and DUS to Edinburgh in compliance with the ordinance issued by the Federal Ministry of Transport. At present no other services have been cancelled, nor do we anticipate any further significant disruption to our flight operations."

Cathay Pacific
"Cathay Pacific is monitoring the impact of ash clouds from the Grimsvotn volcano in Iceland very closely. Flights between Hong Kong and Europe are expected to operate as normal but customers are advised of potential diversions and delays should the situation change.

"Some flights within the UK have been affected. Customers connecting onto other airlines from London to affected parts of the UK are advised to check with their respective connecting airline before departing for the airport.

"Customers are advised to check flight arrival and departure information before departing for the airport."

Qatar Airways
“None of our flights are affected, but we are monitoring developments closely. Any updates will be posted on our website,” a spokesperson said.