Flights to and from Northwest Mesa Airport have been canceled as ash from a Russian eruption affects northwestern British Columbia.
Central Mountain Air is aware of disruptions at Terrace and Smithers airports, while Northwest Terrace airport manager Carman Hendry said they are continually assessing the situation but flights on April 13, 14 and 15 may be cancelled.
However, there have been no cancellations at Smithers Airport so far.
Hendry emphasized that Environment Canada needs to confirm that the flight is safe before it can resume flying. Aircraft flying in volcanic ash is dangerous because particles can get into engines and cause malfunctions.
A spokesman for Environment Canada said the volcanic ash was flying high in the sky and would not pose a threat to surface residents. The ash will stay in Tres and Smithers for the next six to eight hours, but the concentration should decrease.
The impact of the volcanic eruption was not limited to the aviation industry, but also affected the local economy. Terrace is a major transportation hub for the Northwest region of British Columbia, and this disruption could have an impact on businesses and industries that depend on air transportation.
Passengers affected by the cancellation are advised to contact their airline for more information and to make alternative travel arrangements.
An eruption in the Far East’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Tuesday sent volcanic ash across the Pacific Ocean, disrupting air travel in the region. They said the airline was constantly monitoring the situation and taking necessary steps to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
At press time, the following flights to and from Terrace have been cancelled:
arrive
- Air Canada (AC8441) 14:46 to Vancouver
- Air Canada (AC7771) 15:19 to Calgary
- West Jet (WJA3435) 17:05 to Calgary
- West Jet (WJA3107) 18:24 to Vancouver
Departures
- Air Canada (AC8444) flies to Vancouver at 15:25
- Air Canada (AC7772) 16:05 to Calgary
- West Jet (WJA3438) 17:35 to Calgary
- West Jet (WJA3108) 18:55 to Vancouver
Terrace Standard reporters on their way to the airport. there are more.
– File provided by Deb Meissner
airport terrace