Imminent US Volcano Eruption Threatens Global Travel Chaos, Experts Warn

Mount Spurr’s 1992 eruption sent ash 50,000 feet into the sky, disrupting air travel and coating Anchorage in ash. (Image: Daily Mail)

Mount Spurr: A Ticking Time Bomb for Global Travel

Mount Spurr, a 11,000-foot volcano just 80 miles from Anchorage, Alaska, is under close watch as scientists warn of a potential eruption that could trigger global travel chaos. The volcano, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, last erupted in 1992, but recent seismic activity suggests another explosion could occur within weeks to months.

Anchorage, home to 300,000 residents, lies in the shadow of Mount Spurr. (Image: Daily Mail)

Why the Threat Is Global

An eruption would send ash 50,000 feet into the air, forcing the shutdown of Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) and potentially Fairbanks International Airport (FAI). These hubs are critical for global cargo and passenger flights:

• ANC handles over 8,000 cargo flights monthly, ranking as the 4th busiest cargo airport worldwide.
• Passenger flights between North America, Asia, and Europe rely on these airports for refueling and emergency landings.

In 1992, a 20-hour closure of ANC during Spurr’s eruption caused $2 million in damages and left Anchorage coated in ash. A repeat could disrupt supply chains, e-commerce, and air travel for days.

The Science of the Threat

Volcanic ash is deadly to aircraft—its abrasive particles can damage engines, clog sensors, and reduce visibility. The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) reports ongoing seismic activity, including frequent small earthquakes, signaling magma movement. A sustained volcanic tremor would indicate an imminent eruption.

Ash clouds from eruptions pose severe risks to aviation. (Image: Daily Mail)

Health and Economic Risks

Beyond travel, ash poses health hazards, especially for those with respiratory issues. The 1992 eruption caused at least one death linked to ash cleanup. Economically, prolonged airport closures could ripple through global trade, delaying everything from manufacturing parts to consumer goods.

Scientists urge preparedness, as Mount Spurr’s next eruption could be a stark reminder of nature’s power to disrupt modern life.