Mexico City Airport Shuts Down Operations Due to Volcanic Ash

Steam and ashes emerge from the Popocatepetl volcano, after an increase in volcanic activity, as seen from the town of Santiago Xalizintla, Mexico, on May 12, 2023. (Imelda Medina/Reuters)

MEXICO CITY—Mexico City’s Benito Juarez International Airport reported early on Saturday that it had closed its operations due to ash from the Popocatepetl volcano, which has been active for days.

“Due to the presence of volcanic ash, the airport closed operations at 4:25 a.m. We will keep you posted,” the airport said on its Twitter account.

“For the safety of operations, the closure of the airport will be extended for approximately two more hours,” the account said in a tweet at 7 a.m. local time (0900 EDT/1300 GMT).

Airport and airline staff are checking and cleaning runways and taxiways, he added.

By 1515 GMT all flights were still suspended.