An airport serving Mexico's fourth-largest city has suspended operations due to volcanic ash from the Popocatepetl volcano, the Associated Press reported.

The international airport in Puebla was temporarily closed as a precautionary measure.

The airport is east of Mexico City and about 20 miles (30 kilometers) from the 17,886-foot (5,450-meter) volcano.

Airport spokesman Herbert Lopez Palma said Friday, July 12 that the ash could pose a risk in takeoff and landing. Flights to several Mexican cities as well as to Dallas and Houston, Texas, use the airport.

Authorities said this week that a lava dome is growing inside the crater and could cause further eruptions.