Volcanic damage to jetliners is extremely rare (less than once per decade) because volcanic ash rarely makes it above 19,000 meters (30,000 feet), where passenger jets fly.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Volcanic ash can indeed reach and exceed the altitudes at which passenger jets fly (above 30,000 feet or approximately 9,144 meters), posing significant risks to aircraft by damaging engines and other critical systems. Volcanic eruptions can propel ash much higher than 19,000 meters, making encounters with volcanic ash more common than suggested.

Volcanic Damage to Jetliners Is Extremely Rare (Less Than Once