Mexico volcano alert rising

Mexico's Popocatapetl volcano is looking increasingly threatening.

The alert level is now at its third highest after the 5, 450-metre volcano began spewing smoke and hot ash.

Some international airlines have suspended flights.

Mexican authorities are insisting the amount of ash in the air isn't a risk to aircraft.

The country's civil protect chief says domestic flights out of Mexico City would continue.

The volcanic activity could trigger explosions capable of sending out burning hot material over long distances.

The alert level was raised in May but was dropped again to yellow phase two last month.