Volcanic Ash Cloud Forces Flight Diversion to Ahmedabad
An IndiGo Airlines flight traveling from Kannur to Abu Dhabi was unexpectedly diverted to Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Monday following a massive volcanic eruption in Ethiopia. This marks the first recorded eruption in the region in nearly 10,000 years, creating significant disruption to international air travel.
Flight Operations and Passenger Handling
The affected aircraft, IndiGo Flight 6E 1433, had originally departed from Kannur International Airport at approximately 9:55 AM. The Airbus aircraft made a safe emergency landing at Ahmedabad's SVPI Airport at 1:49 PM after the diversion became necessary due to the volcanic ash cloud spreading rapidly across international air routes.
According to airport sources, the same aircraft later departed Ahmedabad around 7:55 PM to transport the stranded passengers back to their original departure point in Kannur. During their unexpected stay in Ahmedabad, passengers were provided with refreshments and received assistance with rebooking their travel arrangements.
Wider Impact on Indian Aviation
The volcanic eruption in Ethiopia created a chain reaction across Indian aviation. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued an urgent safety advisory warning about the high-speed movement of volcanic ash cloud into Indian airspace, posing potential risks to aircraft engines and systems.
The disruption extended beyond IndiGo, with Akasa Air's Flight QP 563 from Ahmedabad to Jeddah being cancelled entirely. The flight was scheduled to depart at 5:35 PM but was grounded in response to the developing situation. The airline released an official statement confirming they were closely monitoring the volcanic activity and assessing potential impacts on their regional operations.
Akasa Air emphasized that passenger safety remains their highest priority, with teams actively tracking international advisories and implementing all necessary safety precautions. The airline committed to keeping passengers informed about any further developments affecting flight schedules.
The unprecedented volcanic event highlights the vulnerability of global air travel to natural phenomena and the importance of robust safety protocols in the aviation industry. Aviation authorities continue to monitor the situation as the ash cloud's movement could affect additional flights in the coming days.
