A looming eruption from Mount Spurr, a massive volcano located just 80 miles west of Anchorage, could unleash a wave of international travel disruption and cargo delays not seen in decades, experts have warned.
The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) has issued an urgent update confirming that Mount Spurr is experiencing frequent small volcanic earthquakes, suggesting that magma activity beneath the surface is increasing. Officials say the eruption could happen within “weeks to months” and would likely be explosive in nature.
“If Mount Spurr blows, it will be an explosive event with ash clouds rising 50,000 feet, similar to what we saw in 1992,” said Matt Haney, scientist-in-charge at AVO.
Air Travel and Global Supply Chain at Risk
Should the volcano erupt, the resulting ash cloud would likely force the shutdown of major international airports, including Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) and Fairbanks International Airport (FAI).
These airports are critical to global logistics, especially ANC, which ranks as the fourth-busiest cargo airport in the world. Over 8,000 cargo flights pass through ANC each month, serving as a vital hub between Asia and North America. A shutdown could cripple e-commerce, freight deliveries, and manufacturing logistics worldwide.
Passenger flights would also be impacted, particularly those along polar and Pacific routes, which use Alaska as a refueling and emergency landing zone.
“Even moderate disruption at ANC can delay freight shipments and essential travel. A full shutdown would create a ripple effect far beyond Alaska,” aviation analysts warn.
Public Health Concerns and Historic Comparisons
Mount Spurr’s last eruption in 1992 shut down ANC for 20 hours and dropped ashfall across Anchorage, costing nearly $2 million in damages. The ash cloud from that event darkened skies in the middle of the day and reached over an eighth of an inch thick on city surfaces.
Ash clouds pose a serious danger to aviation, as the abrasive particles can damage engines, windshields, and vital aircraft instruments, increasing the risk of in-flight failure.
Health experts are also warning that volcanic ash poses a threat to respiratory health, especially for those with asthma or chronic lung conditions.
What’s Next?
AVO officials are closely monitoring signs of increased activity, including ground deformation, steam emissions, and gas release. The next indication of an impending eruption could be a volcanic tremor, which signifies magma rising toward the surface.
“A volcanic tremor is different from the small quakes we’re currently seeing. When that starts, it’s a strong signal the volcano is getting ready to erupt,” said Haney.
As of now, no evacuation orders have been issued, but residents in Anchorage and nearby communities are being urged to remain alert and follow updates from local and federal emergency services.
