Popocatépetl Erupts Sending Ash Cloud Over Mexico City, Prompting Flight Reroutes

Popocatépetl erupted early morning, sending a dark ash cloud skyward after 7:07 AM; a 4‑minute‑58‑second YouTube video posted on May 30 2026 captured the plume rising from the 5,700‑meter‑high summit overlooking Mexico City.

YouTube footage shows the plume reaching several kilometers altitude, drifting southeast and prompting local authorities to issue an ash‑fall advisory for nearby towns, schools and agricultural zones, warning of reduced air quality and potential roof damage.

Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program lists Popocatépetl among its current eruptions, noting the volcano’s historic activity, its 2026 eruption frequency, and its potential to affect air traffic over central Mexico, while providing weekly updates for scientists.

Aviation regulators in Mexico City advised airlines to reroute flights above 10,000 feet, to monitor ash concentration hourly, and to delay takeoffs at three major airports, citing safety concerns for jet engines and visibility.