Southwest Airlines Issues Travel Advisory for Hawaii After Mauna Loa Volcano Eruption
by Daniel McCarthy
Lava flow on Mauna Loa. Photo: USGS
Hawaii’s Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano, is erupting for the first time since 1984 this week, sending smoky ash up into the air for the first time in 28 years.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the volcano started erupting on Sunday night, and as of Monday afternoon, it was producing “fountain heights” of between 100–200 ft, but most were just a few yards tall. While it was causing no damage to surrounding towns, things can “change rapidly” and residents should be prepared to evacuate if things do change.
Southwest Airlines, which operates out of five different Hawaii airports, said on Monday that the “current Mauna Loa volcanic activity may cause disruptions” including flight delays and cancellations. The carrier is allowing those scheduled to fly in or out of Hilo, Honolulu, Kahului, Kona, and Lihue through Tuesday to change their flight without paying any additional charge.
Passengers can also change their departure or origin city to any of Southwest’s Hawaii destinations without paying any additional charge.
