A volcanic eruption on Saturday, May 20, 2023 meant that air traffic at some Mexican airports, including the two capital airports, had to be suspended for safety reasons. The background is a strong cloud of ash that could have been dangerous for aircraft.

A large cloud of ash rose from the Popocatepetl on Saturday. As a result, the airspace in the affected region around Mexico City had to be temporarily closed. Air traffic at Felipe Ángeles International Airport and Benito Juárez International Airport has been suspended.

The affected volcano is just over 70 kilometers from the Mexican capital. It has been considered active again since 1994 and has been intensively studied and observed by scientists ever since. Ash clouds are quite dangerous for aircraft engines and it is therefore essential to avoid flying through them.

At 4:25 a.m. local time on Saturday, May 20, 2023, air traffic in the affected region was temporarily suspended. The all-clear could be given as early as 10:00 a.m. because the ash cloud had sufficiently subsided. The measure resulted in numerous delays and cancellations, but these were unavoidable for safety reasons.

Top dog Aeromexico informed passengers of the incident via text message or email as follows: “Due to volcanic ash, Mexico City International Airport (AICM) and Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) have suspended operations this morning, reflecting the regular has affected flight operations. Aeroméxico has issued a flexibility policy for customers whose flights have been affected."