Howard medical team finally flying

A team from Howard University Hospital is leaving for a medical mission in Nigeria after a volcanic eruption in Iceland delayed their trip.

The plume of volcanic ash has led to the closure of many European airports and forced thousands of flight cancellations.

The Howard team planned to leave for a two-week mission in Nigeria on Friday, but the team's flight had a connection in Frankfurt, Germany, that was canceled. The team now plans to fly from Dulles International Airport to Nigeria on Monday morning.

Officials say the trip may be shortened slightly because of the delay.

The team includes 20 physicians from Howard and other universities and 10 support staff. Howard sends teams twice a year to provide free medical care in parts of the country that need it.

-- Associated Press