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Volcanic ash grounds Mexico City flights

Ash from a volcanic eruption has grounded flights in Mexico City.

A Foreign Office travel alert was issued early this morning warning of disruption at Benito Juarez International airport (AICM) serving the Mexican capital.

A 1.86 mile column of ash and gas was reported to be spewing out of the volcano on Tuesday evening.

It has been erupting two to three times daily for almost a week.

A seven-mile exclusion zone is currently in place around the Popocatepetl volcano, which is 57 miles from Mexico City centre.

“On 27 February, ash fall from Popocatepetl caused flight disruption, including cancellations at Benito Juarez International airport in Mexico City,” the updated Foreign Office travel advice said.

“If you are travelling, you should check your flight status direct with your airline.

“Exposure to falling ash and toxic fumes from active volcanoes can affect your health, especially if you suffer from a respiratory condition.”

Mexico’s National Centre for Disaster Prevention recorded 77 discharges from the volcano and issued a level two volcanic threat level, which requires taking preventative measures and staying a distance away.

Some airlines had to cancel operations, according to the airport.

AeroMexico waived fees for changes of flights affected by the volcanic ash until March 3  

The airline said some operations at the airport had been affected “due to the presence of volcanic ash” but did not provide further details.

Some 25 million people live in a 60-mile radius of the volcano, but the civil protection body said there is currently no “risk for the population.”

The Mexico City airport cancelled hundreds of flights last May due to ash spewing from the volcano.

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