Volcanic eruption and ash: what to do? Travel, masks, cancelled flights

Volcanic eruption and ashfall: what to do, step by step

⏱ 2 min read

Travel, cancelled flights, volcanic ash. Below: what to do right away, what next, when to call 112 and what to avoid. The same instructions are in the free SurvivalZone.app and work without internet.

Open in the app (works offline)

First, right now

Listen to local authorities and follow evacuation orders straight away. Only they decide the danger zones.
When ash is falling: stay inside, close windows, doors and vents. Switch off air conditioning that draws in outside air.
Have to go out? Wear an FFP2 or FFP3 mask, glasses instead of contact lenses and long sleeves.

Then

Asthma or a lung condition? Keep your medicines at hand and avoid exertion. Children and older people should stay indoors.
Do not drive unless you must. Ash is slippery, cuts visibility and damages engines.
Cover water tanks. Keep drinking tap water unless the authorities say otherwise.
Sweep ash in the yard while damp and wearing a mask. A thick layer of ash can collapse a roof: do not climb up without a safety line.
Abroad? Register your trip with your foreign ministry, follow updates from your embassy and airline. Keep receipts for hotel and meals if your flight is cancelled.

When to call 112

Someone is short of breath, has severe chest pain, an asthma attack that medicines do not stop, or has been injured. 112 works across the whole EU.

What not to do

Do not go near the volcano to watch the eruption or lava.
Do not dry-sweep ash without a mask.
Do not wash ash down the drains: it blocks pipes.

Frequently asked questions

Is volcanic ash harmful?

Fine ash irritates the eyes, throat and lungs. People with asthma or lung disease, children and older people are most at risk. An FFP2 or FFP3 mask protects you.

What if my flight is cancelled because of volcanic ash?

Airlines in the EU must give you care: meals and accommodation until you can fly. Compensation is usually not due because these are extraordinary circumstances. Keep your receipts.

Why register my trip with the foreign ministry?

In a disaster your consulate knows you are in the country and can find you and pass on information faster.

Keep it on your phone

SurvivalZone.app is a free app for every emergency, with no account and no app store. It works without internet and shows the nearest shelters and help points, local radio, a 72-hour plan and a mountain trip planner.

Open SurvivalZone.app

Thank you for reading. If this could help someone, send it to the people you care about. Getting ready takes a moment, and in a crisis every minute counts.

Coming soon: the app’s permanent address will be survivalzone.app.

Other scenarios

Sources

Official sources are checked automatically every day. Last check: 2026-11-04.

General guidance only; it does not replace the emergency services. If a life is in danger, call 112.