In 2010, the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland caused massive disruption to air travel across Western Europe. The volcanic activity began in March 2010 and persisted through June, with ash clouds impacting flights for several months. The most severe disruption occurred between April 14 and 20, when the ash cloud led to the closure of airspace in about 20 countries, affecting 10 million travelers. This marked the greatest disruption to air travel since World War II.
The eruption had two phases: the first in March was minor, while the second, beginning in April, was much more explosive, with ash plumes reaching 9 kilometers into the atmosphere. The ash cloud, coupled with favorable wind conditions, spread across Northern Europe, leading to widespread flight cancellations. The eruption continued at a lower intensity through May and June, and although seismic activity remained high, no more significant ash production occurred after May.
By October 2010, the eruption was declared officially over, though scientists noted that the area remained geothermally active and could erupt again in the future.