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A massive volcano on a group of islands southwest of Alaska looks set for a huge eruption that may affect international air travel.

Threat to air trafficSatellite images of Pavlof Volcano have shown strong thermal readings, consistent with what the Alaska Volcano Observatory called a "vigorous eruption of lava" at the volcano about 590 miles southwest of Anchorage.

The volcano lies directly in the path of hundreds of daily international flight paths.

An explosive eruption could severely interrupt those operations, said Steve McNutt, a volcano seismologist with the observatory.

"Volcanic ash can enter an engine and make it seize up," Mr McNutt said.

"What our concern is, is that there will be a more explosive eruption.

"This is right up under the international aviation routes, so a big plume could pose a significant threat."

Seismic activity was first picked up at the 8,262-ft volcano on Tuesday, with one tremor recorded every minute.

http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30200-1280238,00.html