Iceland volcano: British Airways, KLM and other airlines cancel Tuesday flights because of ash cloud threat

There’s a “strong possibility” that the ash cloud heading toward Europe from the Grimsvotn volcano could disrupt flights in parts of Scotland and Ireland in the next 24 hours, according to the air traffic organization Eurocontrol.

Airlines have begun to take steps to cancel flights in anticipation of the cloud emanating from a volcanic eruption last weekend in Iceland. British Airways has canceled flights between London and Scotland until 2 p.m. local time Tuesday, according to its website. Passengers can get a refund or rebook without penalty. Aer Lingus and KLM too has canceled flights between Ireland and Scotland.

LoganAir, a regional airline that serves Scottish cities, scrapped almost all flights scheduled for Tuesday, the airline’s website says. LoganAir added Monday night flights to help travelers who might be stranded by the cancellations. Budget airline RyanAir canceled about 16 flights, including international flights that depart or arrive via Edinburgh and Glasgow. The website instructs passengers how to rebook free of charge or request a refund.

Other carriers such as Virgin Atlantic and Finnair, however, report they are monitoring the situation and are keeping flights in place.

Travelers heading for Europe should keep in touch with their airline before heading to the airport. Here’s a list of airlines and contact information for carriers that serve Heathrow Airport in London. And you can track forecasts about the concentration and movement of the ash cloud at Britain’s Meteorological Office.