Ash from the erupting Cumbre Vieja volcano forced authorities in Spain's La Palma to close the airport on the island on Thursday.

"The La Palma Airport is inoperative due to ash accumulation. The established protocols are being applied. Safety is the priority," Spanish air traffic operator Aena confirmed the news on Twitter.

Other airports in the Canary archipelago remain open, according to authorities.

The volcano started blasting out jets of red-hot lava on September 19, laying waste to hundreds of buildings and farms and forcing the evacuation of thousands.