Mexico Volcano Eruption Causes Dozens Of Flight Delays

More than 40 flights were cancelled this week due to a volcano eruption in Mexico. The Popocatepetl volcano spewed ash into the sky earlier this week forcing several airlines, including U.S. Airways, Delta, United, American and Alaska Airline, to delay their flights.

According to Boston.com, 47 flights were cancelled going in and out of Mexico City and Toluca. Mexico City airport spokesman Jorge Gomez said that airport was open despite the volcano eruption and that some Mexican airlines were still flying.

Gomes said:

“The decision not to fly from Mexico City has been made by these airlines, but the airport is in operable conditions.”

Gomez said that flights to Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston and Fort Lauderdale were all delayed.

NBC News reports that Popocatepetl has been active this year but so far officials have not issued any evacuations. National emergency services coordinator Luis Felipe said that Mexico City was more concerned about the volcanic ash contaminating water than they were about molten rock and lava.

Lugo said: “If there is an eruption, we wouldn’t evacuate Mexico City. For us the main risk is the handling of volcanic ashes.”

Fox News reports that most of the US Airlines have resumed service to Mexico City.