ALL-DAY disruption is expected at Heathrow Airport today (Thursday) after a volcanic eruption in Iceland left the air contaminated.

There are no health risks as the ash cloud from the volcano is at several thousand feet high and cannot be seen by the naked eye as it is six kilometres in the air.

However, if the ash cloud got into the engine the rock particles would damage the aeroplanes and could pollute the air inside the aircraft.

The airport have stated there is likely to be 'severe disruption' throughout the day, with several flights cancelled.

Airlines are advising passengers to check on their websites to see if their flight is scheduled to run before setting off.

After a British Airways flight plummeted in the 1980s by 24,000 feet in Indonesia when it struck an ash cloud, and only narrowly avoided disaster, an airline warning system was set up around the world.

British Airways has cancelled domestic flights for the whole of today.

A BAA spokesperson said: "Due to airspace restrictions, in accordance with international regulations as a result of the on-going volcanic activity in Iceland, we anticipate that all flights in and out of Heathrow and Stansted airports will be suspended from 1200 today.

"Therefore, we strongly advise passengers intending to fly from this time not to travel to the airport today. We will provide further updates as we get more information from air traffic control provider NATS."

Are you affected? E-mail dancoombs@trinitysouth.co.uk