GUATEMALA: Guatemala's international Airport closed after Paya volcano blankets tarmac with ash

Record ID: 701582

  • Title: GUATEMALA: Guatemala's international Airport closed after Paya volcano blankets tarmac with ash
  • Date: 30th May 2010
  • Summary: SLATE INFORMATION
  • Embargoed: 14th June 2010 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Guatemala
  • Country: Guatemala
  • Topics: Disasters / Accidents / Natural catastrophes,Environment / Natural World
  • Reuters ID: LVADV3VA7XW7WO4W1Z97WJK5MFR1
  • Story Text: Guatemala's international airport is closed due to a heavy blanket of volcanic ash that fell after a nearby volcano, Pacaya, erupted Saturday (May 29).
    Three planes and the runway were covered in ash stranding passengers scheduled for departure.
    "The Civil Aeronautic authorities decided to suspend all commercial flights which could continue as long as the conditions persist," said the airport spokesperson David De Leon. "This is due to the ash that is on the runway which has been made more difficult (removal) because of the rain."
    Workers were seen trying to clear the runway of ash which became measurable more difficult to remove once a steady rain began.
    "Special technicians need to come to make sure the ash has not affected them (the planes), most of all, the turbines and other mechanical equipment," assured the President of Guatemala, Alvaro Colom at a news conference held after he and was given a walking tour of the airport. "Everything that needs to be done is taking place to make sure that the aircraft are safe. It won't open (the airport) until all the necessary safety protocols take place."
    Ash particles can cause serious damage if sucked into airplane engines. An Icelandic volcano caused widespread disruption and major losses for airlines after flights were grounded for days in Europe in mid-April.
    Authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation as the thick layer of ash mixed with heavy rains brought in by the first storm of the season, Tropical Storm Agatha, lashed the Central American nation.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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