Dom Post: Mass grounding of aircraft possible in NZ, say experts

New Zealand’s active geography means that mass airplane groundings, like those happening in Europe over the last few days, could also happen in New Zealand.

Major eruptions near Mt Taupo or Mt Tarawera would have the most effect, say vulcanologists, but such eruptions are fortunately rare.

An excerpt: (read in full here)

“GNS Science vulcanology section manager Gill Jolly said such an eruption could overwhelm large parts of the country.

“”An eruption the size of the last one from Lake Taupo 1800 years ago could seriously impact at least 200,000 people in the centre of the North Island, but fortunately they don’t happen very often.” Eruptions from the central North Island volcanoes were more likely to pose a threat.”