AIR-CARGO NEWS

Icelandic Volcano Erupts: Air Traffic On Alert

A new volcanic eruption commenced on the evening of December 18 near Grindavik, Iceland, following weeks of seismic activity along the Reykjanes Peninsula. The eruption, originating about 4km northeast of Grindavik, was marked by visible magma flows along a hill ridge. Authorities have restricted access to the area, prohibiting hiking and maintaining road closures, though Keflavik International Airport remains open with uninterrupted operations.

The impact of volcanoes on air travel is significant, as demonstrated by previous events. The eruption of Eyjafjallajokull in April 2010 is a stark example. It resulted in the cancellation of over 100,000 flights between Europe and North America over eight days, caused by a quarter of a billion cubic meters of ash dispersed into the atmosphere. This disruption was due to unique circumstances where a glacier atop the volcano rapidly cooled the lava, creating fine ash particles propelled into the air.

In contrast, the current eruption in Iceland, like the three others on the Reykjanes Peninsula in the past three years, presents a lower risk to aviation, partly due to the absence of significant ash emissions. Nonetheless, volcanic eruptions can endanger flights by causing engine failures, damaging flight control systems, and reducing visibility. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is now better equipped to handle such events, promising coordinated efforts to assess and mitigate aviation impacts.

Although the immediate effects on air travel remain minimal, the unpredictability of volcanic activity makes it challenging to forecast the extent of potential disruptions. The Icelandic Met Office emphasizes this uncertainty, with the eruption's duration remaining unknown. Airlines advise passengers to remain vigilant for updates, underscoring the profound impact volcanoes can have on air cargo and freight, with potential for significant logistical and economic consequences.  See drone footage of eruption here 

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International Coalition Unite to Defend Red Sea

Operation Prosperity Guardian, a new multinational security initiative, was recently announced by several nations including the United States, United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain. This operation aims to safeguard merchant ships in the Red Sea area from drone and missile attacks, particularly those launched by Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The U.S. Defence Secretary, Lloyd Austin, stated on December 18 that the initiative would operate under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and its Task Force 153. The CMF, a 39-nation maritime partnership based in Bahrain, focuses on securing various strategic maritime regions and countering piracy. Task Force 153, established in 2022, specifically addresses human trafficking, smuggling, and the interdiction of illegal weapons and drugs in the Red Sea.

Approximately 20,000 commercial vessels travel through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden annually. The initiative representing more than 35 countries, responds to over 100 attacks by Houthi rebels using drones and missiles against merchant vessels, .

Several nations have already committed resources to Operation Prosperity Guardian. Britain is deploying the HMS Diamond, a Type 45 destroyer with air defence capabilities, which recently intercepted a Houthi drone. This marks the Royal Navy's first aerial target engagement since the Gulf War in 1991. Italy is contributing the multimission frigate Virginio Fasan to counter terrorist activities and protect shipping routes. France's multimission frigate Languedoc has been active in the area since early December, successfully engaging hostile drones. Norway is providing staff officers to the CMF, and the Netherlands is contributing two staff officers while considering the deployment of ships.

This collaborative effort underlines the international community's commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation and regional stability in the face of increasing security threats in the Middle East. See one min recap clip here

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