British Airways flights into and out of Bermuda tomorrow (Tuesday, April 20) have been cancelled, it was announced this afternoon.

There has been massive disruption to airline schedules due to a volcanic eruption in Iceland which has prompted authorities to order the cancellation of flights due to safety concerns.

This afternoon Bermuda’s BA spokeswoman Sallie Singleton said as many as 1000 residents may have been affected.

“British Airways has announced that Tuesday’s flights in and out of Bermuda have been cancelled," she said.

“There does seem to be optimism that some flights into and out of London airports might be able to resume later on Tuesday following the proposed reopening of UK and European airspace by the aviation authorities.

“We are working on detailed plans to help as many passengers as possible and will aim to give customers as much notice as possible of the flight programme.”

She said that BA had more than 80 aircraft and almost 3,000 cabin crew out of position overseas across the global network. “All these aircraft will require detailed checks before they are cleared to enter service again,” she added.

“Inevitably this will mean delays and we ask for our customers’ patience and understanding in these very difficult circumstances.”

The ticket office at L.F. Wade International Airport will be open today and Tuesday afternoon from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. to assist passengers in Bermuda.

* For a full report on the situation and interviews with stranded passengers see tomorrow’s Royal Gazette.