The Airport said flights are unlikely to resume this evening and passengers should continue to check their live flight information.

The 11.25am flight from Cardiff to Sharm el-Sheikh was expected to depart as normal, but 14 other departures today to destinations such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, Cork, Belfast, Alicante and Paris have all been cancelled.

A spokesperson for Cardiff Airport said: "At the moment one one flight is due to operate. All other flights are cancelled and we are expecting UK airspace to close from midday so it is unlikely any other flights will operate.

"Passengers should check with their airline on whether new flights can be booked or for a refund."

Air traffic control are expected to open UK airspace again at 6pm today - but Cardiff Airport said flights are unlikely to resume this evening and passengers should continue to check their live flight information here.

Officials in Cardiff are also unsure whether flights will run as normal tomorrow and are waiting on more information from the national air traffic service.

Cardiff Airport's live flight information is currently showing 14 outbound flights and 15 arrivals cancelled. A statement on the airport's website reads: "Due to the impact of volcanic ash over UK airspace, there are disruptions to all flights from Cardiff Airport.

"Passengers are advised to check with their airlines or tour operators before travelling to the airport."

Phil Jones, Chief Executive of Fastnet Line which runs the Swansea to Swansea ferry, said: " Passengers needing to travel can take advantage of the Swansea Cork sailings which leave Swansea at 9pm on Friday, Sunday and Wednesday and return from Cork at the same times on Thursday, Saturday and Tuesday.

"We have availability on sailings today and tomorrow and we have already seen an uplift in bookings this morning from passengers choosing the service as an alternative to waiting for flight restrictions to be lifted. We advise passengers to book in advance and check availability via our website www.fastnetline.co.uk"

ASTHMA SUFFERERS

Cher Piddock, clinical lead at Asthma UK, says: "We know that volcanic ash can trigger asthma symptoms in people with asthma, however at the moment the ash is very high in the atmosphere and does not pose an immediate problem.

"We advise people with asthma to monitor the news closely and ensure they keep their reliever inhaler on them at all times. If people are concerned about their condition, they can speak to an asthma nurse specialist on our Adviceline, on 0800 121 62 44."