DUBLIN (AFP) - Ryanair has cancelled all flights in northern Europe and the Baltic states until Wednesday because of the spreading volcanic ash cloud from Iceland, it said on Sunday.

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No flights will operate to and from Britain, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Poland and the Baltic states until 1200 GMT on Wednesday, the budget airline said in a statement.

"This spreading cloud of volcanic ash is unprecedented in Ryanair's experience, and we are continuing to work around the clock to minimise its effects on our schedules and passengers," said boss Michael O'Leary.

"Ryanair's flights in Spain, Southern Italy and Northern Africa will continue to operate Southbound and domestic routes."

He added: "We hope that by cancelling all Ryanair flights over the above affected countries until at least 13:00 on Wednesday 21st April next, we can give passengers as much notice as possible to allow them plenty of time to apply for refunds or rebook alternative Ryanair flights."

Separately, British no-frills airline easyJet announced that its flights in affected parts of Europe, including Britain, will be cancelled until 1300 GMT on Monday.

Britain has extended a ban on all flights in its airspace until 0600 GMT on Monday, due to the impact of the ash cloud created by a volcanic eruption in Iceland.