DON’T come anywhere near us! That’s the blunt message today from Stansted airport bosses as Britain’s airspace shuts down.

No aircraft will move anywhere in the UK from Noon until 6pm – and both Stansted and Heathrow will be shut down for the rest of the day.

The shutdown comes as the National Air Traffic Service (NATS) and the CAA bans all flights in UK airspace at noon.

At present there is no indication how long the shutdown will last, but meteorologists are monitoring conditions and see no immediate end to the conditions.

A spokesman for Stansted said: “There will be no flights at all for the rest of the day at least. If you are booked on a flight today then don’t come to the airport. You won’t be going anywhere!

“Contact your airline and find out what they can do to help you. There is nothing you can do here.”

The advice is the same for anyone booked on a flight from Heathrow or due to meet passengers on incoming flights.

The volcano in Iceland is still spewing ash into the air, and the air is still carrying it over the UK.

It is at about 11,000 feet but is so fine it cannot be seen by the naked eye.

It is, however, expected to lead to a spectacular sunset tonight if there is a cloudless sky.

Have you been affected by the closure? Call the newsdesk on 01473 324790 or e-mail starnews@eveningstar.co.uk