Honduras: Transport, business and air travel disruptions likely nationwide due to poor air quality as of May 16

Transport, business, and air travel disruptions are likely nationwide as of May 16 due to poor air quality and low visibility conditions affecting most of the country. Honduras authorities extended the previous air quality Red Alert to Atlantidad and Colon departments on May 15. The low visibility prompted authorities to close Ramon Villeda Morales (SAP) San Pedro Sula, Goloson (LCE) La Ceiba, and Juan Manuel Galvez (RTB) on the island of Roatan, prompting airport officials to suspend operations. However, SAP and LCE have since been reopened; operations remained suspended at RTB. Other airports may be affected over the coming days.

Due to poor air quality, the departments of Atlantida, Colon, Francisco Morazan, Comayagua, Cortes, and Yoro are all under red alerts. Officials advise people to minimize outdoor activities in areas under the red alert. In all areas under air quality advisories, vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, people diagnosed with asthma or other lung diseases, and people with heart disease, are at particular risk of adverse health consequences from the smoke. In addition to air travel disruptions, some businesses and organizations may cancel or postpone events taking place in outdoor locations.