Tahoe tourism mildly affected by Iceland’s volcano

By Kathryn Reed

While the airline industry racks of billions of dollars in loses, it’s hard to gauge the economic impact the volcanic eruption in Iceland will have on Lake Tahoe.

Tourism officials on the South and North shores are not reporting any inconveniences by businesses. However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening.

The volcanic eruption in Iceland has far-reaching economic consequences. Photo/Lucas Jackson/Reuters

The Black Bear Inn had a call from people in Paris unable to get out because of the flight ban. Fortunately, the South Lake Tahoe bed and breakfast was able to rebook the people for a week later, but for a shorter time.

Jerry Bindel, who is on the South Lake Tahoe Lodging Association board, said with spring break and the height of ski season in the past, the impact of international travelers trying to get to Tahoe is greatly diminished compared to if this had happened a month or two ago.

“It’s a good thing it didn’t hit in the middle of winter,” Bindel said of the April 14 volcano.

European officials on Monday created three levels for allowing aircraft to fly: a “no-fly zone” directly above the cloud of ash; a “caution zone” where planes will have the engine checked for possible damage; and a “no restriction zone”.

The flight restrictions are because the plume of ash causes visibility issues, as well as possible engine seizure.

Reno-Tahoe International Airport does not have any nonstop commercial flights out of the country. (It used to into and out of Mexico and Canada.)

Heidi Jared, spokeswoman with the airport, said people with connecting flight coming to and leaving the area who could be impacted by the international incident. But she did not know how many people might have been affected when air travel abruptly halted abroad.

While travel experts resume flights, all eyes are on another volcano in Iceland that is rumbling.