Airlines on High Alert After Cleveland Volcano Erupts in Alaska [PHOTOS]

Scientists have raised the alert level for transpacific commercial air traffic, based on satellite images of the Cleveland volcanic eruption in Alaska's Aleutian Islands.

Satellite images showed Cleveland volcano had thrown ash 15,000 feet into the air in a cloud that moved east-southeast, the Alaska Volcano Observatory said.

Although the eruption was small and not expected to pose a serious threat to air traffic, scientists increased the alert level from yellow to orange because more eruptions are expected.

The airline industry is on alert as an increase in emissions of ash could disrupt air traffic at 20,000ft. In July, satellite images showed lava building up in the volcano's crater and forming a dome or bubble of molten rock.

The volcano is on the uninhabited Chuginadak Island and is 5,675ft high.

Have a look at the satellite images of the Cleveland volcano eruption.