The National Geographic Institute (IGN) has raised the color code of aviation in the Canary Islands to red due to the evolution of the eruptive column of gases and ash from the La Palma volcano, although this measure does not affect the airspace of the archipelago, they indicate Enaire sources.
The IGN points out on social networks that the color red “establishes an adequate protocol for air navigation to be totally safe.”
Sources from the air navigation manager in Spain (Enaire) insist that this measure “does not imply any variation with respect to the current situation”, which is “absolute normal” in the airspace in the Canary Islands.
On the same day that the La Palma volcano erupted, last Sunday, Enaire activated the action procedure for volcanic ash, in coordination with Eurocontrol.
Since then, this procedure implies that special attention has to be paid to the altitude of the smoke and the evolution of the ash from the volcano.
In addition, each plane heading to La Palma must check its flight plan before takeoff and confirm with Enaire that it is still valid and approved.
Enaire today agreed to restrict air traffic in the vicinity of the new La Palma volcano to facilitate the operation of emergency services, without the measure affecting commercial flights, which do not fly over that area.
This measure, requested by the Government Delegation in the Canary Islands, establishes two restricted areas, one that goes from the volcano and covers the route of the lava to the coast, and another that coincides with the restricted area for navigation decreed last Monday by the Maritime Captaincy of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
In these two areas, in addition to the emergency services, the security forces and bodies may only operate State aircraft, including those of scientific organizations, and those “duly authorized.”
Enaire pointed out to Efe that in “no case” are these two areas restricted by the direction of the gas cloud, but rather a measure to prevent private drones or the media from flying over it.
–
