Mount Redoubt erupts again

Mount Redoubt, which is located approximately 100 mi/160 km southwest of Anchorage, Alaska, erupted for a sixth time on 23 March 2009. Ash from the volcano continues to affect flights at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (PANC/ANC), one of the world's busiest cargo airports. Alaska Airlines officials have stated that most southbound flights from the airport --- including those en route to the continental United States -- have taken off with few delays or cancellations. However, many flights to cities in northern Alaska -- including Fairbanks, Bethel, Prudhoe Bay, Nome, Kotzebue and Barrow -- have been suspended. In addition, several flights to Asia on other carriers have been canceled or diverted. FedEx has repositioned aircraft from Alaska to Oakland, California and has rerouted cargo flights to Seattle. As conditions may change rapidly, travellers in Alaska should verify their flight’s status before departing to the airport. Eruptions may continue for as little as a few more days or as long as a few months.