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The ban on flights in and out of England's airports, imposed when a cloud of volcanic ash swept across the country, has been overturned.The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)confirmed a phased re-opening of airports from 2200 BST on Tuesday.
Transport Secretary Lord Adonis said all airports could open again and he expected them to remain open.
The ban has been in place since last Thursday because of fears over the danger posed by the volcanic ash.
The ash cloud was created by a volcanic eruption in Iceland and spread over the UK leading to the closure of airspace across large parts of northern Europe.
A spokesman for BAA, which operates Heathrow Airport, said: "We are ready to open, but until further notice passengers must contact their airline before travelling to the airport.
"Not all flights will operate during the early period of opening, and we will do everything we can to support airlines and get people moving."
Earlier, the air traffic control body Nats extended the flight ban until 0100 BST on Wednesday.
'Safe to fly'
But Lord Adonis confirmed: "Since the flight restrictions were imposed, the CAA have been working around the clock with the aircraft manufacturing industry, the airlines and the research community to better understand how different concentrations of ash affect aircraft engines.
"As a result, the CAA has now established a wider area in which it is safe to fly, consistent with the framework agreed by the EU transport ministers.
A spokeswoman for Nats said it would provide a further update on the location of the ash cloud at 2200 BST.
She said: "Nats will review airspace availability and provide an update to airline operators on any airspace that has been restricted for safety reasons."
A Foreign and Commonwealth Office 24-hour consular helpline has been set up on 020 7008 0000 for people stuck abroad.This article is from the BBC News website. ? British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
Transport Secretary Lord Adonis said all airports could open again and he expected them to remain open.
The ban has been in place since last Thursday because of fears over the danger posed by the volcanic ash.
The ash cloud was created by a volcanic eruption in Iceland and spread over the UK leading to the closure of airspace across large parts of northern Europe.
A spokesman for BAA, which operates Heathrow Airport, said: "We are ready to open, but until further notice passengers must contact their airline before travelling to the airport.
"Not all flights will operate during the early period of opening, and we will do everything we can to support airlines and get people moving."
Earlier, the air traffic control body Nats extended the flight ban until 0100 BST on Wednesday.
'Safe to fly'
But Lord Adonis confirmed: "Since the flight restrictions were imposed, the CAA have been working around the clock with the aircraft manufacturing industry, the airlines and the research community to better understand how different concentrations of ash affect aircraft engines.
"As a result, the CAA has now established a wider area in which it is safe to fly, consistent with the framework agreed by the EU transport ministers.
A spokeswoman for Nats said it would provide a further update on the location of the ash cloud at 2200 BST.
She said: "Nats will review airspace availability and provide an update to airline operators on any airspace that has been restricted for safety reasons."
A Foreign and Commonwealth Office 24-hour consular helpline has been set up on 020 7008 0000 for people stuck abroad.This article is from the BBC News website. ? British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.