Multiple Indian airlines were forced to cancel flights on Monday after volcanic ash plumes from Ethiopia created significant air travel disruptions across regions. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) responded by issuing a comprehensive advisory to all airlines and airports operating in affected corridors.
Major Airlines Ground Flights
Akasa Air, IndiGo, and KLM were among the carriers that cancelled select services due to the atmospheric conditions caused by the volcanic activity. The ash clouds, originating from volcanic eruptions in Ethiopia, posed potential risks to aircraft safety, prompting immediate operational adjustments.
The flight cancellations primarily affected routes passing through airspace influenced by the ash plumes. While the exact number of cancelled flights remains unspecified, the impact was significant enough to warrant regulatory intervention and airline contingency planning.
DGCA's Safety Response
India's aviation regulator issued a formal advisory to all airlines and airports on November 24, 2025, emphasizing safety protocols for operations in ash-affected regions. The directive included guidelines for monitoring atmospheric conditions, alternative routing options, and passenger communication standards.
The DGCA advisory highlighted the importance of avoiding ash-contaminated airspace, as volcanic ash can cause severe damage to aircraft engines, windshields, and external sensors. Airlines were instructed to prioritize passenger safety while minimizing disruption to travel schedules.
Regional Impact and Passenger Guidance
The volcanic ash situation has created ripple effects across international air travel corridors connecting India with African and Middle Eastern destinations. Aviation experts note that such natural events can disrupt flight patterns for extended periods until atmospheric conditions stabilize.
Passengers booked on affected routes are advised to contact their airlines directly for updated flight information and rebooking options. Most carriers have implemented flexible change policies for travel dates impacted by the volcanic ash situation.
As monitoring continues, aviation authorities remain in close coordination with meteorological agencies to track the movement of ash clouds and provide timely updates to the traveling public.
