Ash to force airspace closure in Germany

BERLIN – German weather authorities say airspace over the country's northern cities will close early Wednesday, due to elevated levels of ash in the atmosphere stemming from an Icelandic volcano.

Germany's Meteorological Service said Tuesday it would not allow any takeoffs or landings at Bremen airport, starting at 5:00 a.m. (0300GMT), or at Hamburg airport, starting at 6:00 a.m. (0400GMT) Wednesday.

The service said was possible the airspace over Berlin and Hannover could also be affected.

Hundreds of flights over Britain were canceled Tuesday as winds blew the cloud of ash from Iceland's Grimsvotn volcano. Experts say that particles in the ash could stall jet engines and sandblast planes' windows.