Significant Increase in Volcanic Activity at Shinmoe-dake – Flight Cancellations Due to Ash Cloud
Shinmoe-dake, one of the most active volcanoes in the Kirishima complex on Kyushu, has shown a marked increase in explosive activity. According to a VONA report from VAAC Tokyo, the volcano ejected ash up to an altitude of approximately 7,300 meters. Carried southward by the wind, the ash cloud spread across a wide area. Ashfall was reported, affecting even Kagoshima Airport and leading to numerous flight cancellations.
The ash cloud drifted directly over the city of Kirishima, which lies south of the volcano but north of the outskirts of Kagoshima. The airport, situated between the two cities, is a key transport hub for southern Kyushu, with connections including routes to Tokyo. So far, 52 flights have been cancelled — affecting not only routes to the capital but also many regional connections. Particularly hard hit are the islands of the Ryukyu Archipelago, which are now fully dependent on ferry transport.
Many stranded passengers expressed surprise that their flights had been cancelled due to volcanic ash. However, in Japan, such natural events are often met with stoic acceptance and a calm resignation to fate.