Morocco’s state news agency says transport authorities have closed Casablanca airport and four others because of a cloud of volcanic ash from Iceland.

The MAP news agency cites the Transport Ministry as saying the airports are closed until Tuesday afternoon “to guarantee a maximum level of security for passengers.”

The airports affected are Casablanca, Rabat-Sale, Tangiers, Tetouan and Essaouira.

Morocco’s airports were not affected when the eruption of the volcano in Iceland forced a five-day suspension of air traffic in Europe last month.

Text by: The Associated Press in Rabat, May 11, 2010 – Read more: Moroccan Airport Closed