Colombian airport temporarily closed due to volcanic ash

Colombia's Civil Aeronautics agency (Aerocivil) has ordered the temporary closure of the Guillermo León Valencia airport in Popayán, the capital of Cauca department. The precautionary measure stems from an emission of ash from the Puracé volcano, which has dispersed particles into the air.

Aerocivil stated that the closure is essential for operational safety, as the presence and ingestion of ash particles can compromise the proper functioning of aircraft engines operating in southwestern Colombia. This preventive restriction will partially disrupt air traffic to and from Cali, Puerto Asís, and Florencia, as well as transit flights connecting with the departments of Nariño, Cauca, and Valle del Cauca.

“

this measure seeks to prevent and prioritize "operational safety since the presence and ingestion of ash particles can compromise the proper functioning of the aircraft engines" that operate in the southwest of the country.

Reports from the Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) in Washington and the Colombian Geological Service's Volcanological Observatory identified an affected area in Popayán and surrounding regions due to ash from recent Puracé volcano emissions. The phenomenon occurs intermittently, with elevated emissions followed by temporary cessations.

The Aerocivil team and meteorological specialists are closely monitoring the situation in Popayán. They aim to restore services and lift the restrictions as soon as the airspace is deemed completely safe. The agency has urged passengers to remain calm and contact their airlines for updates on delays, itinerary changes, or cancellations.

“

This preventive restriction partially impacts the flow of air operations to and from Cali, Puerto Asís and Florencia (Caquetá), as well as transits connecting with the departments of Nariño, Cauca and Valle del Cauca.