Ash cloud to arrive in Israel Monday night
State announces ash cloud from Iceland volcano is of low concentration, will not disrupt flights
The Transportation Ministry warned Monday that the ash cloud responsible for halting most of Europe in its tracks is scheduled to arrive in Israel soon, but will not force the state to close its airspace.
A statement issued by the ministry following an emergency meeting of the Civil Aviation Authority cited meteorological reports saying the cloud would pass over Cyprus Monday afternoon and arrive in Israel's skies late in the evening.
The Meteorological Service said, however, that the cloud was of a low concentration and would probably not force a closure of airspace or disruption in flight schedules.
The Environment Ministry stated that the cloud would pass over Israel during the night without affecting the quality of air in the region, but that the ministry would keep track of this and warn the public if necessary.
Earlier Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz ordered his ministry to prepare for repercussions caused by the cloud, newly emitted from an active volcano in Iceland. It is currently floating 20,000 feet above sea level.
The emergency meeting of the Aviation Authority included predictions on possible scenarios and their effect on takeoffs and landings in Israel. Data was collected from the British meteorological service and the Euro-Control, which are assisting Israel in its preparations.
The EU's Aviation Authority announced Sunday a number of flight disruptions throughout the continent. The volcanic ash cloud led to cancelations in Scotland, Spain, Portugal, and Germany, and threatens to cause disruptions in France, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Austria.
