Airlines in Bahrain are closely monitoring the movement of flights in Europe following the spread of a volcanic ash cloud over the region, it has emerged.

Flights from Bahrain to destinations in the UK and Europe have not yet been hit, but all necessary procedures are in place in case they are cancelled.

A Gulf Air spokesman said there had so far been no disruptions. 'All our flights to and from European destinations are operating as normal,' he said.

'However, we are monitoring the situation closely.'

He urged travellers to check 'travel alerts' on the airline's website www.gulfair.com or contact the Bahrain call centre on 17335777 for the latest information.

A British Airways (BA) spokesman for Bahrain said following forecasts of significant volcanic ash in the air space over Scotland, no BA flights were operated between London and Scotland until 2pm yesterday.

'All other flights, including those from Bahrain, are so far unaffected,' he said.

'We continue to monitor the situation and remain in close contact with the Civil Aviation Authority, National Air Traffic Services and the weather office.'

The spokesman said travellers on any cancelled flights would be able to claim a full refund or rebook onto alternative flights.

'They are being advised to keep checking our website, www.ba.com, for the latest information on their flight,' he said.

'We would urge customers not to travel to the airport if their flight has been cancelled.'

Reports from the UK earlier said airports likely to be affected until 7pm yesterday included Londonderry, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Prestwick, Durham Tees Valley, Newcastle and Carlisle.

European air traffic controllers said 252 flights had been cancelled, but up to 500 could eventually not take to the skies.

Dense ash from the Grimsvotn volcano has forced the cancellations as airlines and passengers braced themselves for days of uncertainty and chaos.

The volcano began erupting on Saturday, sending clouds of ash high into the air that have then been carried toward the British Isles on the wind.

Experts say that particles in the ash could stall jet engines and sandblast planes' windows.-TradeArabia News Service