Iceland’s civil aviation authority has lifted a flight ban after a small volcanic eruption spewing molten lava 50 metres in the air failed to create an ash cloud.
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Seismic activity around the Bardarbunga volcano had led scientists to warn a much larger eruption was on the way.
However, during the week a small crack developed in the ice field around the volcano releasing lava and gases, which relieved some of the underground pressure on the volcano.
As a result, an air exclusion zone around the volcano has been lifted and concerns that flights would be affected have been downgraded from a red alert to normal.
Terror threat
British expats and visitors are advised to avoid travelling to Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago in The Philippines due to terrorist clashes with security forces.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) warns of a high threat from militants kidnapping foreigners.
As a result of the armed skirmishes, all local air carriers except Philippine Airlines are banned from flying into the European Union.
Travellers with tickets with local carriers are advised to check their validity before trying to leave the country.
Ebola update
The Ebola virus death toll in West Africa has reached more than 1,900, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
More than 3,500 confirmed cases have been confirmed in the most affected countries of Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia.
Travel restrictions and border controls are in place to prevent the spread of the disease, not only in the infected countries, but most other West African nations.
Flights are grounded and frontier crossings closed.
The latest countries to impose travel restrictions are Botswana, Gambia and Namibia.
WHO says the outbreak is the worst occurrence of the disease ever.
“Expats and travellers should stay away from the region unless they are directly involved in tackling the Ebola outbreak,” said a FCO spokesman.
City closed by violent demo
Violent clashes between anti-government demonstrators and security forces in the Pakistan capital of Islamabad have led to road blocks and travel disruption in the country.
Thousands of protestors met in the capital, mainly from Lahore, last weekend, and many are still involved in running battles with police.
Security forces have closed off large areas of the city and main roads – including the route to the main airport.
“Avoid large gatherings as they can soon turn to violent protests,” said an FCO spokesman. “The embassy district is closed off by police and High Commission staff are limiting travel and curtailing services at this troubled time.”
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