Popocatepetl volcano spews ash, nearly two dozen Mexico City flights cancelled

Nearly 22 flights were cancelled as the Popocatepetl volcano continued spewing ash in Mexico City.

Mexico City International Airport said that 22 domestic and international flights have been cancelled by the airlines amid instructions for safety checks after ashes were encountered by other planes while flying towards the capital city.

In a post shared on X, the airport confirmed that it is open as well as operational.

“Specialised teams and management remain on alert and are evaluating the ash conditions,” said the airport. “At this time, the volcanic ash cloud is heading toward the Gulf of Mexico,” it added.

The travellers were advised by the airport to remain informed about the situation through their official airport channels and their airlines.

“If you have a flight scheduled for today, we recommend that you stay informed with your airline to find out its status,” read the notice, shared on the airport’s official social networks.

Speaking about the conditions, VivaAerobus said, “Due to adverse weather conditions due to the presence of volcanic ash over the airport area, it is possible that our operation today could be affected.

“We suggest you take the necessary precautions during your transfers and stay aware of any information updates through our official communication channels,” they said.

Government issues “yellow alert”

A “yellow alert” has been issued by the government for carrying out any kind of activity going on near the area of the volcano, whose name means “Smoking Mountain” in the Aztec Nahuatl language.

Earlier on Tuesday (Feb 27), the authorities said that a column of smoke was rising from the volcano and moving towards the north-northwest and could bring ash over the capital city.

The Popocatepetl volcano, which is situated nearly 45 miles southeast of Mexico City, is surrounded by nearly 25 million people who live within the composite volcano’s 60-mile radius.