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Popayán airport temporarily closed due to volcanic ash
🇨🇴 Colombia /Disasters & Emergencies

Popayán airport temporarily closed due to volcanic ash

From El Tiempo · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Ongoing story
  • Colombia's Aerocivil has temporarily closed operations at the Guillermo León Valencia Airport in Popayán due to volcanic ash from the Puracé volcano.
  • The closure is a precautionary measure after detecting ash particles, which can damage aircraft engines.
  • The ash cloud has partially affected flight operations to and from several cities in southwestern Colombia.

Operations at the Guillermo León Valencia Airport in Popayán, Colombia, have been temporarily suspended due to the presence of volcanic ash, the Aeronáutica Civil (Aerocivil) announced Monday morning. The closure is a precautionary measure following recent emissions from the nearby Puracé volcano.

ash particles derived from recent emissions from the volcano

— AerocivilThe agency explained the reason for the temporary closure of the airport.

Aerocivil identified "ash particles derived from recent emissions from the volcano" as the reason for the suspension. The agency stated that the presence and ingestion of ash can compromise the proper functioning of aircraft engines, necessitating the temporary halt in operations. This decision prioritizes the safety of all passengers and crew.

A technical evaluation confirmed that the ash cloud has impacted five commercial routes and the approach and departure procedures in the southwestern Andean region. Consequently, flight operations to and from Cali, Puerto Asís, and Florencia-Caquetá are partially affected. The Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) in Washington and Colombia's Volcanological Observatory have identified the affected area.

the presence and ingestion of ash particles can compromise the proper functioning of aircraft engines

— AerocivilThe agency detailed the risks associated with volcanic ash for aviation safety.

The Puracé volcano's activity, which includes Popayán and surrounding areas, is reported to be intermittent, with elevated emissions alternating with temporary cessations. Air traffic control and meteorological specialists are continuously monitoring the situation and updating the coordinates of the affected zone. Aerocivil assured that services will resume as soon as the airspace is deemed completely safe for flights.

partially the flow of air operations from and to Cali, Puerto Asís and Florencia-Caquetá

— AerocivilThe agency specified the impact of the closure on regional flight routes.

Aerocivil urged users to remain calm and stay informed through official channels for any updates regarding the situation. Passengers are advised to maintain contact with their respective airlines, as the variable nature of this natural phenomenon could lead to delays, itinerary changes, or cancellations.

as soon as the airspace is completely safe for the departure and arrival of flights

— AerocivilThe agency stated the conditions under which flight services will be resumed.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Tiempo in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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