Civil Aeronautics takes preventive measures in the airspace of the southwest of the country due to the emission of ash from the Puracé volcano

Colombia's Civil Aviation Authority has implemented preventive measures in the airspace over the southwest region due to ash emissions from the Puracé volcano, which is located in the Cauca department. The decision follows increased volcanic activity detected by monitoring agencies, prompting restrictions on air navigation and temporary airport closures to ensure flight safety. The measures were announced on July 24, 2026, after evaluations confirmed the presence of volcanic ash in the city of Popayán and surrounding areas, posing potential risks to aircraft operations. The Civil Aviation Authority stated that the airspace above the Cali Air Traffic Control Area and connected routes had been restricted from ground level up to flight level 210, equivalent to 21,000 feet. Additionally, the Guillermo León Valencia Airport in Popayán was temporarily closed, with operations suspended until noon local time for a technical reassessment of ash conditions on runways and flight paths. Authorities emphasized the need for travelers planning trips to or from Popayán, Cali, and nearby airports to stay in constant contact with their respective airlines for updates on flight statuses and itinerary adjustments. Residents in rural areas near the Puracé volcano have reported falling ash affecting crops and homes. The Civil Aviation Authority reiterated its commitment to continuous monitoring in coordination with the Colombian Geological Service and national disaster risk management authorities. Officials pledged to provide timely updates regarding the resumption of air operations once visibility and atmospheric conditions ensure safe transportation. The increase in volcanic activity has prompted the Colombian Geological Service to raise concerns about the situation. According to the service, seismic activity associated with gas dynamics within the volcanic conduits of Puracé and the Coconucos volcanic chain has significantly increased. Cristian Santacoloma, coordinator of the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Popayán under the SGC, noted that during the past week, emissions reached heights of up to 2,100 meters, leading to the suspension of flights at Popayán International Airport. This height of emissions has also contributed to heightened energy levels in the area’s seismic readings. Following several hours of closure, the Guillermo León Valencia Airport in Popayán resumed operations on Thursday afternoon after a review of runway conditions confirmed they met safety standards for flight operations. The airport reopened at 1:34 p.m., though officials cautioned that the resumption of flights would occur gradually over the following hours. Travelers were advised to check directly with their airlines for real-time updates on flight statuses and possible schedule changes. The closure had been ordered earlier in the day as a precautionary measure after ashfall on the runway made it impossible to guarantee safe takeoffs and landings. The move aimed to minimize risks to aircraft and passengers while inspections and assessments were conducted. The emergency response is linked to the ongoing increase in volcanic activity at Puracé, situated in the Coconucos volcanic chain, which continues to remain under yellow alert status. Authorities highlighted that the Colombian Geological Service has documented rising seismic activity alongside increased emissions of gases and ash. Columns of ash have exceeded two kilometers in height in recent days, with dispersion reaching various sectors of the Cauca department. Although the airport has returned to normal operations, officials stressed that they will continue to monitor the evolution of volcanic activity and atmospheric conditions to determine if further measures are necessary to maintain the safety of aerial operations.