Ethiopian Volcanic Ash Impact on Indian Flights: Civil Aviation Ministry Provides Updates and Safety Measures

Flight operations face disruptions with cancellations and delays due to volcanic ash plumes from Ethiopia.

New Delhi:

The civil aviation ministry is working closely with air traffic control and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to monitor the impact of ash plumes from Ethiopia's volcanic eruption on flight operations.

Several flights have experienced cancellations while many others are facing delays as a result of the ash plumes.

Officials from the ministry have assured that there is no reason for alarm at present, though they continue to monitor the situation vigilantly.

The ministry stated on X: "Following the 23 Nov volcanic eruption in Ethiopia and the eastward movement of the ash cloud, MoCA -- along with ATC, IMD, airlines and international aviation agencies -- is ensuring seamless coordination."

"AAI has issued the necessary NOTAM, and all affected flights have been kept informed. Operations across India remain smooth, with only a few flights rerouted or descended as a precaution."

Air India revealed earlier today that they have cancelled 13 flights, including several international routes, since Monday due to the volcanic ash impact. Aircraft that flew through affected areas are currently undergoing safety checks.

According to IMD's Tuesday morning update, the ash clouds are now moving toward China and will shift away from India by 7:30 pm on Tuesday.

The meteorological department's forecast models had indicated ash influence over several regions including Gujarat, Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana on Tuesday.