Alaska Airlines Cancels Flights Due to Volcano

Alaska Airlines has canceled 41 flights to and from six cities in northern Alaska including all flights operating to and from Fairbanks, due to a massive ash cloud that is moving north at up to 65 knots (75 mph). 

Unaccompanied minors and pets traveling as cargo have also been embargoed until weather conditions improve. The canceled flights affect 3,300 passengers. Mount Pavlof, an active volcano located 600 miles southwest from Anchorage, Alaska, has been actively erupting since Sunday evening.

Flights are suspended to Barrow, Bethel, Fairbanks, Kotzebue, Nome and Prudhoe Bay until Alaska is able to assess weather reports after daylight March 29. If weather conditions improve, Alaska will resume its regularly scheduled 54 flights to the affected six cities.

Volcanic ash poses significant safety concerns to aircraft on the ground and in the air, as it limits visibility and damages engines, the airline said. 

Passengers with tickets purchased on or before March 28 for travel between March 28-29, may rebook prior to March 31, 2016, without incurring a change fee or additional costs, or apply for a full refund for the unused portion of their ticket.

Travelers are encouraged to check the status of their flight on the Alaska Airlines mobile app, at alaskaair.com or call 1-800-ALASKAAIR (1-800-252-7522).