Isolated ash puff from Sabancaya volcano reaches 7 300 m (24 000 feet) a.s.l., Peru

Volcanic ash from Sabancaya in Peru was observed at 7 300 m (24 000 feet) above sea level at 20:45 UTC on December 24, 2025. The advisory was issued by the Buenos Aires VAAC at 21:05 UTC on December 24, 2025.

The ash cloud reached an altitude up to FL240 (approximately 7 300 m or 24 000 feet). The event was described as an isolated and strong puff emission, detected via GOES-E satellite and webcam imagery. The emission was dissipating rapidly at the time of the advisory. No Aviation Color Code was stated in this advisory.

According to the Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for the week ending December 2, 2025, Sabancaya exhibited daily gas-and-steam plumes rising 300–1 100 m (980–3 600 feet) above the crater and a consistent seismic signal indicating ongoing gas and magma movement. The public was advised to remain outside a 12 km (7.5 mile) radius from the summit. The current Alert Level remains at Orange.

Sabancaya is a stratovolcano located in southern Peru and is one of the most active volcanoes in the region. It regularly produces explosive eruptions with ash plumes that can impact air traffic and cause local ashfall. Potential hazards include ashfall, pyroclastic flows, and lahars. The nearest significant population center is the city of Arequipa, about 70 km (43 miles) to the south-southwest, which could experience effects from significant eruptive events.