The reactivation of the Popocatépetl volcano forces the cancellation of 22 flights in Mexico

The Mexico City International Airport (AICM) reported this Tuesday that, due to the activity of the Popocatépetl volcano, 22 flights from different airlines have been canceled due to safety checks on the aircraft due to having passed through ash during the flights.

In a statement on its X social network account, the AICM indicated that “it has remained open and in operation.”. “Management personnel and specialized teams remain on alert and are evaluating the ash fall conditions.”. At this time, the volcanic ash cloud is heading towards the Gulf of Mexico,” they say in the statement.

The airport has asked travelers, if they have a flight scheduled for this day or the following days, to stay informed through institutional channels. Meanwhile, the National Civil Protection Coordination (CNPC) of Mexico has confirmed that the Popocatépetl volcano “remains at the phase 2 yellow alert level, and that it does not represent a risk to the population.”

Continuous emission of ash

According to data from the National Disaster Center (Cenapred), after the increase in volcanic activity in May and June 2023, starting in July “various episodes of high-frequency tremor associated with the continuous emission of ash have been recorded, sporadic exhalations and low-intensity explosions”, which have generated columns up to two kilometers high.

In addition, the center recalled that, during 2024, the activity has continued with similar characteristics to what was recorded from July, with fluctuations from medium to very low levels and “24 low intensity exhalations without explosions have been recorded.”

According to specialists, the dispersion of ash from emissions and exhalations follows trajectories depending on the direction of the winds at the time of expulsion.. According to the forecasts for this Tuesday, issued by the National Water Commission (Conagua), they are heading towards the west-northwest of the volcano.