At only 20 miles from the capital, Reykjavik, the volcano has transfixed Icelanders, attracting crowds eager for a closer look. Some have even used the lava to roast hotdogs and cook smores.

Ash spewing from Mount Aso-san, Japan’s biggest active volcano, ... ANA grounded at least two flights connecting Kumamoto, which is 20 kilometers from the volcano, to Osaka and Tokyo.