Flights from Scottish airports were starting to return to normal today after a volcanic ash cloud left UK airspace.

The first few flights jetted out of Glasgow Airport early this morning but knock-on delays and fresh problems with the ash heading across Central Europe were expected.

Around 200 flights were cancelled at Glasgow Airport yesterday with passengers left stranded or taken by bus to alternative airports for flights.

Planes leaving today included an easyJet flight to Malaga shortly before 7am and flights to Heathrow and Gatwick.

But Dutch airline KLM said it was cancelling flights to and from Scottish airports today and several airlines were cancelling flights to Berlin airport which was expected to close from 11am.

Hundreds of flights to and from Scotland's airports, including Prestwick, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, were cancelled yesterday, with around 500 halted across Europe because of the eruption of Iceland's Grimsvotn volcano.

A message on Glasgow Airport's website told passengers today: "Glasgow Airport is open and planning to operate a normal service.

"Some delays are expected, so please check with your airlines for flight information."

However, the reprieve may be shortlived as the Met Office said much of the UK could be affected by ash on Friday if the volcano continued to erupt at current levels.

However, the row over Ryanair's decision to do an ash test flight in Scottish airspace continued today. Transport Minister Philip Hammond described as "irresponsible" remarks by Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary following the Irish carrier's test.

But Bill Munro, chairman of Scots firm Barrhead Travel questioned whether the Civil Aviation Authority in particular and the Met Office understand fully the disruption to people's lives, financial loss and loss of vacation time which cannot be replaced in most instances caused by not being allowed to fly.

Mr Munro said: "One cannot believe Ryanair would jeopardise the safety of its passengers or not tell the truth regarding their test flight.

"It was proven last year that many of the embargoes on flying were unnecessary. Other bodies have prepared for such an eventuality after last year's experience yet the Met Office and CAA appear not to have.

"Avoiding any possible risk to life or limb is paramount but one can hardly say the Met Office or CAA are prepared professionals."