Honduras: Wildfire smoke and associated visibility issues likely to cause flight disruptions at some airports through at least late May

Flight disruptions will likely affect some airports in Honduras through at least late May due to wildfire smoke and associated low visibility. As of May 20, some 30 wildfires were reportedly active in the country and more than 211,000 hectares (520,000 acres) of forest had been burned since the beginning of the year. Since May 15, authorities have briefly suspended flight operations at the following airports at various times due to smoke and low visibility:

• Palmerola International Airport (XPL), serving Comayagua and Tegucigalpa

• Goloson International Airport (LCE), serving La Ceiba

• Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport (RTB), serving Roatan

• Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport (SAP), serving San Pedro Sula

• Toncontin International Airport (TGU), serving Tegucigalpa

Additionally, wildfire smoke has led to poor air quality in some areas, including in Tegucigalpa. Such smoke can hurt the eyes and irritate the respiratory system. Smoke may also have adverse health consequences for people who have preexisting respiratory conditions, such as respiratory allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Some businesses and organizations may therefore cancel or postpone events taking place in outdoor locations that are subject to poor air quality.