A volcanic eruption on White Island, New Zealand, sent a plume of ash into the sky on Thursday, leading to flight cancellations and warnings from government scientists that the eruption could persist for “weeks to months.”
The same volcano, known as Whakaari to the Indigenous Māori, previously erupted in 2019, tragically killing 22 people.
Located about 50 kilometres off New Zealand’s North Island and roughly 200 kilometres from Auckland, the island has been closed to tourists since the deadly 2019 eruption.
The latest activity has once again brought the volcano into focus, disrupting travel and raising concerns.
National carrier Air New Zealand cancelled 10 flights on Thursday morning as volcanic ash spread across flight paths. However, flights resumed later in the day after the ash dissipated.
A spokesperson for the airline confirmed that the situation was being closely monitored.
GNS Science, New Zealand’s geological research institute, reported that “minor eruptive activity” began earlier this month, with satellite images confirming the ongoing volcanic activity.
The institute indicated that this eruption could be part of the “typical eruptive cycles” observed at Whakaari and warned that the activity could continue for an extended period.
Residents on New Zealand’s main islands have been cautioned that they might experience the smell of volcanic gas or mild irritation to their eyes and throats, though the overall impact is expected to be minor.
The country’s volcanic alert level was raised to three earlier this month, out of a maximum of five levels.
The eruption has also highlighted challenges for scientists studying the volcano. Volcanologist Simon Barker from Victoria University in Wellington noted that limited access to the island since 2019 has hampered the repair of monitoring equipment, making it difficult to fully assess the current activity.
“Gas flights, drone footage, and ash emissions all suggest that magma is very close to the surface,” Barker said, indicating that the situation remains uncertain.
Volcanic ash poses significant risks to aviation, as it can be sucked into aircraft engines, clog fuel lines, and erode engine components. “Ash in volcanic plumes is considered a hazard to aeroplanes,” explained Adrian Pittari, a volcanologist from the University of Waikato.
He added that ash can also interfere with a plane’s electrical systems, reduce visibility, and infiltrate cabin space.
Historical incidents underscore the dangers, with cases in the 1980s where Boeing 747s lost engine power after flying through ash plumes in Alaska and Indonesia.
To mitigate these risks, a global network of Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres monitors ash plumes and weather patterns, providing vital information to the aviation industry.
“This network helps airlines to plan flight paths and manage cancellations during volcanic eruptions,” Pittari noted, underscoring the importance of continued vigilance as Whakaari remains active.
