Volcanic ash buildup shuts airport on La Palma in Spain's Canary Islands

Smoke rises as lava flows into the sea following the eruption of a volcano, as seen from Tazacorte port, Canary Island of La Palma, Spain, October 6, 2021. REUTERS/Juan Medina

MADRID (Reuters) -A buildup of ash and dust from the erupting Cumbre Vieja volcano on the runway forced authorities in Spain's La Palma to close the island's airport on Thursday, air traffic operator AENA said.

Other airports in the Canary Islands' archipelago off North Africa remained open, however, and an AENA spokesperson said the ash cloud was unlikely to pose any wider risks to air travel for now.