Ash cloud causes delays across the UK Ash cloud causes delays across the UK. Ash cloud over Europe could last for months. The volcanic ash cloud over Europe continued to delay flights across the continent on Friday. The ash cloud is affecting the Afghanistan war. Scientists say that the cloud could continue to last for weeks, or even months. Airports in the United Kingdom will remain closed until at least 1 a.m. on Saturday. For the second straight day, ash from a volcano in Iceland has continued cause major flight delays across Europe. Only 11,000 of the nearly 28,000 flights that normally pass over Europe are expected to take place on Friday, according to Eurocontrol, an intergovernmental organization that manages air traffic in Europe. Stranded travelers are likely to take little solace in reports from scientists who warn that the eruption creating all the ash may continue for days, weeks, or even months. It remains difficult for scientists in Iceland to ascertain how long the ...