Mt. Redoubt in Alaska erupts again

Alaska Airlines has suspended all flights into and out of Anchorage, Alaska due to the mid-morning eruption of Mt. Redoubt.

Alaska Airlines has suspended all flights into and out of Anchorage, Alaska due to the mid-morning eruption of Mt. Redoubt. Weather reports indicate the ash clouds are moving north and near Anchorage, posing a significant risk to air travel. Flights will be suspended until daylight March 27, 2009.

Travelers are advised to check the status of flights before leaving home at alaskaair.com or 1-800-ALASKAAIR (1-800-252-7522). Specific information about flight changes related to the Mt. Redoubt volcano is available at alaskaair.com.

“We recognize these cancellations will significantly impact our customers intending to travel to or from Alaska,” said Ben Minicucci, Alaska’s chief operating officer. “These decisions are guided by our commitment to safety, and we are making every effort to re-accommodate customers whose travel plans have been disrupted.”

Volcanic ash poses significant safety concerns to aircraft on the ground and in the air, as it limits visibility and damages engines. The airline was forced to cancel more than 45 flights earlier this week due to eruptions from Mt. Redoubt, affecting about 4,000 travelers.

Passengers booked on a canceled flight between March 26 and 27, 2009, may rebook prior to April 2, 2009 without penalty or apply for a full refund of the unused portion of their ticket. Passengers on new reservations and those scheduled for travel after April 2, 2009 who wish to change their flights, will be charged the applicable penalty and change fees. Passengers booked on an Alaska Airlines Vacation should contact Vacations at 1-800-468-2248.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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