Small Number Of Flights Have Taken Off From Northern Europe

A small number of flights have taken off from northern Europe after five days of inactivity caused by the spread of volcanic ash from Iceland. Planes have been taking off from Paris, Madrid and Frankfurt - however many flights remain cancelled. EU transport ministers proposed creating a core no-fly area, a limited-service zone and an open-skies area. Swiss and northern Italian airspace will reopen from 0600 GMT, and France is opening some air corridors to Paris. But the skies over Germany are due to remain closed until 1200 GMT, with some exceptions.