This graphic from Sabre Flight Explorer shows the extent of the volcanic ash plume and its effect on flight routes. Based on live flight data at 4.00pm GMT, April 19.
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Key
Red/orange zones: extent of volcanic ash plume
Straight blue lines: daily published flight routes designated for eastbound and westbound trans-oceanic flights
- No westbound flight routes from northern Europe
- Routes A, B and C: eastbound flight routes into southern Europe – currently in heavy use
- Routes Y and Z: westbound flight routes from Europe – only two routes in operation
Blue arrows: high altitude global jet streams
Aircraft icons: airlines currently flying
More on the crisis
April 19
- Royal Navy lined up to rescue stranded Brits
- Tui rescues 5,000 clients from Spain by coach and ship
- IATA slams European governments over ash cloud handling
- Ash flights ban costs Tui £20m and rising
April 16
- Majority of UK flights restricted
- Flight chaos predicted for returning Easter holidaymakers
- Travel insurance not designed to cover all risks
- Volcano disruption ‘incredibly challenging’, says agent
April 15