MORE flights in Spain have been cancelled as the volcano eruption on the island of La Palma continues to disrupt airlines.
The Cumbre Vieja volcano, which began erupting last Sunday, entered a new explosive phase as a new emission vent opened to the west of the main one.
The airport, which initially was forced to close, was able to reopen this week, although flights are yet to fully resume.
La Palma recently stated on their website: “At this point, all Canarian Airports are operational again.
“There are airlines suspending flights to/from La Palma. If you plan to fly, confirm the status of your flight with your airline.”
TUI has cancelled all holidays to La Palma until October 1, after repatriating tourists stranded on the island, while Binter, airlines operating across the Canary Islands, were forced to cancel flights, but that they hoped to be able to resume flights later this week.
TUI’s latest statement on their website states: “Due to the ongoing situation we’ve unfortunately had to cancel all flights departing up to and including 1stOctober 2021.
“All impacted customers will be contacted directly to discuss their options.”
The UK’s Foreign Office also advised holidaymakers to contact their tour operator about holidays and flights to the island.
They warn that there was a volcano on La Palma, a Spanish Canary Island, on Sunday, September 19, 2021, at 15.15 local time.
Los Llanos de Aridane Tazacorte El Paso and Tazacorte have been evacuated.
“If you are planning to travel to the island imminently you are encouraged to contact your tour operators/airlines.”
Tourists are still paying hundreds of pounds to fly to La Palma to witness the eruption, despite locals being evacuated.
Andrés Amegeiras, from Uruguay, said he paid €500 for flights – which usually cost €60 – to watch the eruption.
And 24-year-old Mario Mesa, from Tenerife, said he paid €60 for a boat ticket to see it, but ended up staying in a hostel after his friends were evacuated from the island.
However, the popularity of the eruption has resulted in a lack of accommodation for residents who have been evacuated from certain areas, as well as huge traffic jams on usually quiet roads, especially where views of the volcano are the best,
Juan Pablo González, manager of a hospitality association on the Canary Islands, said “now is not the moment for tourism in La Palma”.