Guatemala volcano: Airport closed and travellers stranded as eruption prompts major travel warning

‘The new eruption has generated a fast-moving current of hot gas and volcanic matter in the direction of the city,’ says US Embassy

Thousands of travellers hoping to leave Guatemala after the deadly eruption of the Fuego volcano are waiting to see if the capital’s airport will soon re-open.

The US Embassy in Guatemala City warns: “The new eruption has generated a fast-moving current of hot gas and volcanic matter in the direction of the city.”

Dozens of flights from La Aurora airport, on the southern outskirts of Guatemala City, have been halted because of volcanic ash falling from the nearby volcano.

Departures to Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles and Miami are among those cancelled. There are no direct flights to and from the UK.

United Airlines, one of the leading US carriers to the city, is allowing passengers to switch flights up to Thursday.

The authorities say they hope to re-open the airport at 2.15pm local time (7.15pm BST). The military has been deployed to sweep the runway and taxiways.

Clean sweep: members of the Guatemalan army clearing the apron at the capital’s airport (Army of Guatemala)

Even when La Aurora re-opens, restoring operations to normal will take some time; flights from the US, Mexico, El Salvador, Panama and Colombia to Guatemala City are currently unable to depart.

The Foreign Office is warning British citizens: “Visitors and residents should exercise extra caution in areas to the southeast, southwest and due south of the volcano; there will an increased risk of fast-moving debris flows in the coming days, particularly following heavy rain.

“Monitor local news channels and follow the advice given by the Guatemalan Meteorological Office.”

The authority currently says: “There is ash in the environment at a distance of 20km in the volcanic perimeter.”

Laura Rendell-Dunn of the specialist operator Journey Latin America, said: “We do not have any clients in Guatemala. Our next booking to Guatemala in on 29 June.

“Journey Latin America would like to offer their deepest sympathies to all those affected by this tragedy.”

About 15,000 British tourists visit Guatemala each year, and it is thought that nearly 1,000 are currently in the country. The historic town of Antigua is popular with foreigners learning Spanish.

Other attractions include the rich Mayan history and climbing volcanoes.

The capital itself is not regarded as a prime attraction, and has a reputation for danger.

The Foreign Office warns: “No parts of Guatemala City are free from crime; this includes Zone 10 (Zona Viva) – popular with tourists and foreign residents. Take care in Zone 1 (historical centre) where the cheaper hotels are situated and several bus routes terminate.”

Guatemala’s National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction is advising people to cover their eyes, mouth and nose; cover food and potable water storage containers; and those with respiratory problems to seek medical attention.

It is also telling visitors: “To tourist agencies and tourists: the ascent to the volcano due to the eruption is prohibited.”