Phew, volcano runs out of puff: Hope for holiday-makers as eruption eases... but we could still have a black Friday

• Giant ash cloud 'less dense than first predicted'
• Relief for millions of Britons planning Bank Holiday getaway
• Most, 'if not all' planes should be able to fly
• 'Only a handful' of UK flights facing disruption
• Germany and Holland bear brunt of cloud today
• Friday could still see severe disruption from ash already in the atmosphere

The volcanic ash threat to the Bank Holiday getaway for millions of families has been 'lifted, the Government  declared today.
A giant ash cloud is still on course to arrive over the UK at a  height of 35,000ft by noon tomorrow (FRI) - but will be less dense than first predicted, according to the latest Met Office forecast.
But aviation chiefs have been given new powers and new contingency plans to allow planes to fly under the cloud in case the  Icelandic volcano erupts again in future. It is the first time planes have been allowed to fly under a volcanic cloud in UK airspace.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1390558/Ash-cloud-2011-Hope-holiday-makers-eruption-eases.html#ixzz1NOrkbgJ9