Popocatepetl's volcanic ash halts Mexico City airports.

Mexico City's two main airports temporarily shut down operations due to ash spewing from Popocatepetl volcano, located 45 miles southeast of the country's capital. Volcanic ashes are especially dangerous for aviation, not only because they reduce visibility but because they can act as an abrasive, damaging an aircraft's wings and fuselage. The Popocatepetl rumbled to life again this week, belching out towering clouds of ash that forced 11 villages to cancel school sessions.