Iceland Ash Cloud Shuts Down Philly Flights

Locals won’t be going to Europe for at least a day, as flights are being canceled at Philadelphia International because of the huge ash cloud spewed by an Icelandic volcano.

The National Air Traffic Service said Thursday that non-emergency flights won't be permitted in British airspace until at least 1 a.m. (0500 GMT) Friday.

This has been expanded to multiple European countries, as flights to Brussels, Amsterdam, London and Manchester, England scheduled to depart Thursday from Philadelphia International Airport were all canceled.

Flights that were expected to arrive in Philadelphia from countries affected by the ash cloud have also been canceled, including flights from Dublin, London and Manchester.

A statement from the authority said the “cloud of volcanic ash is now spread across the U.K. and continuing to travel south.”

The Icelandic volcano was sending up smoke and ash that posed “a significant safety threat to aircraft,” as visibility is compromised and debris can get sucked into airplane engines.

To check for more flight cancelations go to Philadelphia International Airport’s departure and arrival lists.