Customers hoping to find a courier with whom to send parcels internationally may be in for disappointment, as the ban on some flights around the British Isles has been reinstated.

Flights to and from the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland's Outer Hebrides have been grounded, as of yesterday, over fresh precautions regarding volcanic ash particles.

A new cloud of ash has been drifting southwards towards these regions, originating from the same volcano as in previous weeks.

Flights had been back to being fully operational across the continent until yesterday.

However, PostEurop, a body representing 48 European public postal operators have recently praised delivery services for continued strong performances, despite being restricted to sea, road and rail freight.

The situation is expected to be considered later on today.