A volcanic eruption on White Island, New Zealand, has caused a disruption in air travel, grounding flights due to ash plumes. The eruption, which began earlier this month, is the latest activity from the same volcano that tragically erupted in 2019, claiming the lives of 22 people. While the ash has since dissipated, leading to the resumption of flights, scientists are warning that this eruptive event could continue for an extended period – potentially weeks to months.
The island, once a popular tourist destination, is located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) off the North Island of New Zealand, and 200 kilometers from Auckland, the country’s largest city. National carrier Air New Zealand reported the cancellation of 10 flights early Thursday due to the ash drifting across flight paths.
Satellite imagery captured “minor eruptive activity” starting earlier in the month, according to the research institute GNS Science. They believe this eruption is part of the “typical eruptive cycles” documented for White Island, also known as Whakaari in the Māori language.
Scientists have cautioned that residents on New Zealand’s main islands may experience the smell of volcanic gas or mild irritation to their eyes and throats. However, they emphasize that these impacts are expected to be minor.
Earlier this month, New Zealand raised its volcanic alert level to three, out of a maximum of five levels. Since the 2019 eruption, tours to White Island have been prohibited. The island’s closure has also hindered scientific research efforts.
“The biggest issue with Whakaari at the moment is the number of unknowns with the lack of monitoring on the island due to the 2019 eruption and restricted access preventing the repair of seismic and geodetic networks,” explained volcanologist Simon Barker from Wellington’s Victoria University. “This makes it difficult to place the ongoing activity within the context of past eruptive episodes and to assess how the system is changing.”
Barker further added, “Gas flights, drone footage and ash emissions all suggest that magma is very close to the surface and, therefore, this activity could continue for some time.”
Volcanic ash poses a significant hazard to aviation, as explained by volcanologist Adrian Pittari from the University of Waikato. “Ash in volcanic plumes is considered a hazard to aeroplanes because it is sucked into their engines, potentially clogging fuel lines, sticking onto engine surfaces and eroding parts,” said Pittari. “It can also interfere with electrical and computer systems, infiltrate cabin space and reduce visibility.”
He emphasized that the concentration of ash in the atmosphere and the duration of flight in affected airspace are crucial factors to consider. Pittari cited incidents from the 1980s where Boeing 747 jet planes experienced temporary engine failures after encountering concentrated ash plumes in Alaska and Indonesia.
A global network of Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres monitors ash plumes and weather patterns, providing information to the aviation industry regarding airborne ash hazards. “This helps airlines to plan flight paths and cancellations in areas of volcanic eruptions,” Pittari concluded.
