Alaska Airlines Cancels Flights in and Out of Anchorage After New Mount Redoubt Eruption

/PRNewswire / -- Alaska Airlines has suspended its remaining flights in and out of Anchorage for Saturday night after Mount Redoubt erupted again about 3:40 p.m. Alaska time and generated ash clouds that pose a significant risk to air travel. Shortly after the airline suspended flights, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport ceased all operations about 6 p.m. Alaska time because of volcanic ash falling in the area.

Alaska Airlines will evaluate resuming service once authorities reopen Anchorage International Airport. Flight departure information will be posted at alaskaair.com.

"We apologize for the inconvenience to our customers, but their safety is always our highest priority," said Ben Minicucci, Alaska Airlines' chief operating officer and executive vice president of operations. "We're continuing to closely monitor the weather and ash from Mount Redoubt and will resume flights when it is safe to do so. We're also making every effort to re- accommodate passengers whose travel plans have been disrupted."

In all, 37 flights to and within the state of Alaska were canceled Saturday. Since the volcanic eruptions began Sunday, March 22, Alaska Airlines has canceled more than 185 flights affecting an estimated 10,000 passengers.

Travelers are advised to check the status of their flights before going to the airport at alaskaair.com or by calling 1-800-ALASKAAIR (1-800-252-7522). Specific information about flight changes related to the Mount Redoubt volcano is available at alaskaair.com.

Ticketed passengers who are affected by Mount Redoubt eruptions and scheduled for travel March 28 through March 29, 2009, will be allowed changes without penalty if their new travel is on or before April 5, 2009. A full refund will also be offered for any unused portion of the ticket. Passengers with new reservations and those scheduled to travel after April 2, 2009, who wish to change their flights will be charged applicable penalty and change fees. Passengers booked on an Alaska Airlines Vacation should contact the Vacations Department at 1-800-468-2248.