British Airways' flights to and from Bermuda are expected to resume today, the airline said last night.

Planes have been grounded since last Thursday due to plumes of ash from the eruption of Iceland's Eyjafjallajökull volcano and hundreds of people have been unable to leave the Island or return from Europe.

But last night, BA spokeswoman Sallie Singleton said: "We are very pleased that the aviation authorities have opened UK airspace to enable us to begin in earnest the task of flying our customers.

"We are optimistic that flights inbound and outbound to Bermuda on Wednesday, April 21, will be operating unless a change occurs during Tuesday evening."

She said the flights would likely be 100 percent full but that the odd seat may be available as some locals have postponed their travel plans due to the uncertainty.

BA chief executive Willie Walsh said: "At this stage we are looking to operate all long haul flights departing from Heathrow and Gatwick on Wednesday, April 21.

"This will help to get more aircraft, pilots and cabin crew back who are currently in the UK out to cities around the world to help customers still awaiting a flight.

"We continue to work around the clock to see how many flights we can operate in the days ahead to help as many customers as possible reach their final destination.

"We thank passengers in Bermuda for their patience and understanding and also wish to give our appreciation to local media for being so helpful to us in getting messages out during this unprecedented crisis."

The UK's Civil Aviation Authority announced the relaxation of the airspace restrictions, saying it had been given assurances from engine and aircraft manufacturers that safety would not be compromised.

The lifting of the flight ban means a group of tourism officials who have been in London promoting Bermuda, including Premier Ewart Brown, can return.

Another local stranded in the UK is lawyer and Bermuda Democratic Alliance MP Mark Pettingill.

He said yesterday morning: "It is a bit of a nightmare here as trying to find alternative routes is impossible and all travel lines are horrendous. Luckily, I have London legal chambers to work out of so I am able to continue working."

About 300 visitors are reported by BA to have been stuck on the Island due to the closed airspace.

Alex Brand, a 43-year-old doctor from London, was supposed to leave on Saturday night after an eight-day vacation here.

He told The Royal Gazette he rang Government House on Monday for advice but was initially told no one could help.

The Deputy Governor later called him personally to offer assistance. "That was really kind of him. I was worried that I was going to be stranded here for a long period of time," he said.

"I wanted advice as to what to do if this became a more protracted affair, if finances should become an issue."

Dr. Brand, who is re-booked on today's flight to Gatwick, said: "Bermuda is a lovely place but [the trip has been] slightly marred by the uncertainty about getting back home. It's very expensive for a tourist. I'm a doctor and need to get back to work."

Fairmont Bermuda spokeswoman Shelley Meszoly said: "The cancellation of inbound flights from the UK has caused problems for certain groups staying in Bermuda with Fairmont.

"For example, none of the European travellers scheduled to attend an international conference at the Fairmont Southampton have been able to leave the UK and the conference continues in their absence."

She said the Fairmont Southampton and the Hamilton Princess had a small number of guests unable to return to Britain due to flight cancellations.

"For these guests, we have been more than happy to extend a courtesy discount and are working closely with their travel providers to find solutions for their return.

"We also have flight crew staying with Fairmont who remain grounded on the Island while they await flights to resume."