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Russian volcanic eruption disrupts flights to and from northwest B.C.

One of Russia’s most active volcanoes erupted Tuesday, wrecking havoc on air travel internationally
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Departure board at Northwest Regional Airport on April 13 at 3:43 p.m. showing cancelled flights due to volcanic ash from an eruption in Russia. (Viktor Elias/Terrace Standard)

Flights to and from Northwest Regional Airport were cancelled late last week due to plumes of volcanic ash from a volcanic eruption in Russia impacting northwest British Columbia.

Central Mountain Air noted disruptions out of Terrace and Smithers airports Thursday, while Northwest Regional Airport Manager Carman Hendry said they are constantly assessing the situation, but anticipated flights would likely be cancelled into the weekend.

As of press time, however, there had not been any cancellations at the Smithers airport.

Hendry emphasized that Environment Canada needs to confirm that it is safe to fly before they can resume flying. It is dangerous for aircraft to fly in volcanic ash, as particles can get into the engines and cause disruptions.

An Environment Canada spokesperson said volcanic ash, which is aloft in the sky and not a threat to residents at the surface, will linger for the next six to eight hours in Terrace and Smithers, but it should get less concentrated.

The impact of the eruption is not just limited to the airline industry, but also to the local economy. Terrace/Kitimat is a major transportation hub for the northwest region of British Columbia, and the disruption likely had an impact on businesses and industries that rely on air transportation.

As an example, the disruption resulted in the first day of dance competition at the Pacific Northwest Music Festival being cancelled because the judges were unable to fly in.

Passengers who were affected by the cancellations were advised to contact their airlines for further information and to make alternative travel arrangements.

The eruption on the far eastern Kamchatka peninsula on Tuesday caused volcanic ash to spread across the Pacific, affecting air travel across the region. Airlines constantly monitor these kinds of situationa and take necessary measures to ensure the safety of their passengers and crews, they said.

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-With files from Deb Meissner