Aer Lingus will operate a limited transatlantic service today "to try and accommodate the many genuine compassionate cases on these first available flights". The company is contacting these customers to confirm reservations on six flights leaving today - three from Dublin, three from Shannon. Passengers who hold bookings from today onwards should call the Aer Lingus information numbers to reconfirm their booking or be accommodated on alternative flights.
The airline said "it will be some days before it is possible to operate a full transatlantic schedule".
A number of flights by US company Delta Airlines left Dublin and Shannon airports yesterday for US cities. The company said passengers whose flights were diverted to Dublin on Tuesday were flown yesterday to the US on three flights. One flight is scheduled to take place today and two are scheduled for tomorrow. All Delta flights to the US are booked until Tuesday or Wednesday. Further information from: 1800-768080, or www.delta.com
Meanwhile, security has been strengthened at Dublin Airport, Aer Rianta said. According to a spokesman, there has been an increase in "visible and invisible" security measures.
Only US registered commercial aircraft were yesterday allowed fly to the US.
Delta Airlines and Continental Airlines currently comply with security regulations demanded by the Federal Aviation Administration. Aer Lingus would have no difficulty complying, a company spokesman said.
Among the measures is a ban on knives or cutting instruments in the aircraft cabin. There will be enhanced searches and inspection of aircraft and luggage, the spokesman added.
An Aer Lingus spokesman said people who were booked on cancelled transatlantic Aer Lingus flights over the past week have three options: they can re-book without penalty, receive a voucher to use in the future, or get a full refund.
An information number for Aer Lingus passengers is 011800-222221, or www.aerlingus.com
The company said people personally affected by events in the US would be given the lowest fare possible, without normal conditions or restrictions. This system, in place until September 21st, is subject to availability of seats.
A woman whose brother worked in the World Trade Centre told The Irish Times she contacted Aer Lingus on Thursday and was quoted a fare price to New York of £2,100 return for her and her son. When she rang yesterday, she said she was quoted a price of £600 each return for her and her son.