Ethiopian Volcano Eruption Causes Flight Cancellations as Ash Cloud Moves Across Northern India

The Ethiopian volcano in the Afar region erupted on Sunday morning, causing widespread disruptions.

New Delhi:

Multiple flights faced cancellations on Monday as Indian airlines and airports received an advisory regarding potential disruptions from the Ethiopian volcanic ash plume, which is currently moving across northern India.

Hayli Gubbi volcano experienced its first eruption in nearly 12,000 years on Sunday, generating thick ash plumes that traveled over the Red Sea toward Yemen and Oman. The cloud has now extended across the northern Arabian Sea.

Dense concentrations of the ash cloud are now passing over Delhi, Haryana, and neighboring Uttar Pradesh regions. While these plumes could potentially impact air quality in Delhi and surrounding areas, the likelihood remains low as the ash clouds are situated thousands of feet high in the atmosphere.

Several airlines including Akasa Air, IndiGo, and KLM have cancelled flights due to the volcanic ash situation.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued instructions for airlines to avoid ash-affected areas and adjust their flight planning, routing, and fuel considerations based on the most recent advisories.

Airlines have received directives to promptly report any suspected ash encounters, including engine performance issues or cabin smoke and odors.

The DGCA has stated that if volcanic ash affects airport operations, the concerned operator must immediately conduct inspections of runways, taxiways, and aprons.

Operators have been instructed to continuously monitor the volcanic ash cloud situation and maintain updated information through satellite imagery and meteorological data.

Akasa Air announced the cancellation of its flights to and from Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi scheduled for November 24 and 25 due to the ash plume.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines cancelled its Amsterdam-Delhi service (KL 871) and the return Delhi-Amsterdam flight (KL 872) because of the ash cloud.

IndiGo shared on X: "Following the recent eruption of the #HayliGubbi volcano in #Ethiopia, ash clouds are reported to be drifting towards parts of western India. We understand that such news may cause concern, and we want to reassure you that your safety remains our highest priority".

The volcano in Ethiopia's Afar region erupted Sunday morning, covering the neighboring village of Afdera in dust. According to Afar TV, the eruption triggered moderate tremors around Erta Ale and Afdera town. The volcano is situated approximately nine miles (15 kilometers) southeast of the active Erta Ale volcano.