Guatemala: Pacaya eruption suspends flights at Guatemala City airport June 13

Event

Increased volcanic activity and ash eruptions from Volcán de Pacaya temporarily suspended flights at Guatemala City's La Aurora International Airport (GUA) on Wednesday, June 13. The suspension lasted until 14:00 (local time) and airport operations have since returned to normal, according to the Guatemalan Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC). Further potential ash eruptions may prompt additional flight delays and cancelations at GUA in the near-term.

Context

The increased activity at Volcán de Pacaya comes after a catastrophic June 3 eruption at the nearby Volcán de Fuego which left at least 110 people dead; nearly 200 others are still missing. The eruption has destroyed almost 1000 houses, more than 12,000 people have been evacuated from affected areas, and an estimated 1.7 million people have been affected in total by the eruption.

Advice

Individuals present in Guatemala are advised to avoid affected areas, confirm flight and other travel reservations, closely monitor the situation, adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders), and wear respiratory masks and covering clothing to protect skin from ashfall in affected areas.