More flight cancellations could impact those relying on parcel delivery services across the UK.

Flights in and out of Ireland have been grounded today (May 4th) over new volcanic cloud ash fears.

Following days of disruption last month, all global flights have been back in operation for some time, with holiday firms and parcel delivery services now grappling with backlogs of deliveries and passengers who need to get back home after being stranded.

However, an ash cloud from the volcano is now drifting south and has lead to all flights in and out of Ireland being cancelled. The airspace above Scotland's Outer Hebrides, which includes Barra, Stornoway and Tiree, is also shut.

Volcanic ash is thought to have a damaging impact on the engines of planes, though some in the aviation industry are now claiming that when machines are flown at a lower level, they are unaffected.

The new flight ban came into place this morning and the situation is due to be reviewed later on today.

Posted by Tom Sands.

Article Added: 04/05/2010 09:21:01