Mexico’s Popocatepetl Volcano Spewing Ash & Steam – Flights Cancelled

One of Mexico’s most active volcanoes, Popocatepetl, is giving airlines a lot of headaches today.  More than 40 flights in and around Mexico City have been cancelled as a result of ash and steam spewing out of the crater.

Mexican authorities had recorded several tremors near the volcano that has been spraying hot rocks and ash for the last 24-hours.  There is a yellow phase alert around Popocatepetl’s activity, activity that started in May. 

American Airlines, US Airways, Delta Airlines and Alaska Airlines “decided not to conduct operations to and from Mexico City”, airport spokesman Jorge Andres Gomez said.  The airport however kept its runways open. 

Though given the adorable-sounding nickname “El Popo” the Volcán Popocatépetl (Smoking Mountain) is one of Mexico’s most threatening volcano.

The summit of Popocatepetl, Mexico’s second-highest mountain and one of the country’s 14 active volcanoes, is 5,452 meters (17,875 feet) above sea level.  Popocatépetl is North America’s 2nd highest volcano and the 2nd highest peak in Mexico. 

The closest municipalities to Popocatepetl are approximately 7.2 miles away.  It is located 40 miles south-east of Mexico City.

Published in Latino Daily News