Ethiopian Volcano Eruption Sends Ash Cloud Towards India
A massive volcanic eruption in Ethiopia has created significant disruptions for Indian aviation, forcing multiple flight cancellations and raising safety concerns across the country's airline industry. The Hayli Gubbi volcano, which erupted on Sunday for the first time in recorded history, sent ash columns soaring up to 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) into the atmosphere, creating a plume that traveled thousands of kilometers across multiple regions.
Indian Airlines Take Immediate Safety Measures
Air India announced the cancellation of 11 flights over Monday and Tuesday as a precautionary measure following directives from India's aviation regulator. The affected aircraft had flown over regions contaminated by volcanic ash, requiring thorough inspections before they could return to service.
The airline confirmed that ground teams were actively assisting stranded passengers with real-time updates, hotel accommodations, and alternative travel arrangements. Air India expressed regret for the inconvenience while emphasizing that passenger and crew safety remained their highest priority.
Comprehensive List of Cancelled Flights
November 24 cancellations included:
- AI 106 – Newark to Delhi
- AI 102 – New York (JFK) to Delhi
- AI 2204 – Dubai to Hyderabad
- AI 2290 – Doha to Mumbai
- AI 2212 – Dubai to Chennai
- AI 2250 – Dammam to Mumbai
- AI 2284 – Doha to Delhi
November 25 cancellations included:
- AI 2822 – Chennai to Mumbai
- AI 2466 – Hyderabad to Delhi
- AI 2444 / 2445 – Mumbai to Hyderabad to Mumbai
- AI 2471 / 2472 – Mumbai to Kolkata to Mumbai
Other Indian Airlines Respond to Crisis
Akasa Air released an official statement confirming they were closely monitoring the volcanic activity in Ethiopia and its potential impact on flight operations in nearby regions. The airline assured passengers that their teams would continue assessing the situation in compliance with international aviation advisories and safety protocols.
Meanwhile, IndiGo took to social media platform X to announce they were coordinating with international aviation authorities while monitoring the evolving situation. Both airlines emphasized that passenger safety and well-being remained their utmost priority during this unusual atmospheric event.
DGCA Issues Critical Aviation Advisory
India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) responded swiftly to the threat by issuing a comprehensive advisory to all airlines. The regulatory body directed pilots to report any suspected encounters with volcanic ash, including engine performance anomalies or unusual odors inside the cabin.
The DGCA advisory specifically instructed airlines to avoid volcanic ash-affected zones entirely and modify routing, fuel planning, and flight levels based on the latest meteorological updates. The authority also noted that if ash impacts airport operations, operators must immediately inspect runways, taxiways, and aprons to maintain safety standards.
Understanding the Volcanic Ash Threat
Volcanic ash presents severe risks to aviation safety due to its composition of tiny, abrasive particles that can damage aircraft engines, reduce visibility, and contaminate airfields. The microscopic glass and rock fragments can melt inside jet engines, causing engine failure and compromising multiple aircraft systems.
This incident marks a relatively rare atmospheric event for Indian aviation, though it recalls the massive global disruption caused by Iceland's Eyjafjallajökull volcano eruption in 2010, which led to widespread European airspace shutdowns. While the current Ethiopian ash plume hasn't reached that scale of disruption, it has forced Indian airlines to implement precautionary measures across some of the country's busiest flight corridors.
The volcanic ash cloud traveled an impressive distance from Ethiopia, moving across the Red Sea, Oman, Yemen, and eventually reaching northern Indian airspace. This intercontinental journey demonstrates how localized geological events can have far-reaching consequences for global aviation in our interconnected world.
