The first flights in northern Europe have taken off after five days of inactivity caused by the spread of volcanic ash from Iceland. Three flights departed from Amsterdam's Schiphol airport late last night, bound for New York, Shanghai and Dubai.<br/> <br/>There are hopes that many routes within Europe will be able to resume operations today. <br/>But UK air traffic officials said a new ash cloud spreading from Iceland cast doubt on plans to reopen UK airspace.<br/> <br/>Earlier, the UK air traffic control body, Nats, said the flight ban would be lifted over Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England. But it later said there was now a worsening situation in some areas. The outlook for Northern Ireland is most uncertain. British Airways says it is reviewing its plan to resume flights from London airports from 1800 GMT, in the light of the latest reports. <br/> <br/>EU transport ministers proposed creating a core no-fly area, a limited-service zone and an open-skies area. Dutch Transport Minister Camiel Eurlings said his country taking a lead in restarting flights, but warned that further suspensions might prove necessary if the situation worsens. <br/> <br/>Swiss and northern Italian airspace will reopen from 0600 GMT, and France is opening some air corridors to Paris. But the skies over Germany are due to remain closed until 1200 GMT. <br/> <br/>Meanwhile White house has said that volcanic plume, has left about 40,000 Americans stranded in Britain due to cancellation of flights. It said that the White House and the US Ambassador to Britain are working together to find out ways to facilitate return of its people.<br/> <br/><br/>