Argentina and Chile – Copahue Volcano in Early Stages of Eruption

On May 27, Chilean authorities issued a Red Alert – which means an eruption is imminent or in progress – after Chile’s Copahue Volcano began emitting plumes of ash and smoke. Authorities from both countries are monitoring the volcano for signs of a stronger eruption, which could take place with little or no warning. Currently all airports in southern Argentina and Chile are operating normally. But should the eruption intensify, severe transportation disruptions are possible across a broad area. In the event of a small to moderate eruption, disruptions to air traffic will be negligible, causing small alterations to flight paths that would result in flight prolongations by only short periods.