Flights cancelled as Ethiopian volcanic ash reaches India

New Delhi: Aviation authorities have issued advisory to Indian airlines and airports to deal with flight disruptions due to ash plumes originating from the volcanic activity in Ethiopia.

It is reported that several flights have been cancelled as thick expanse of ash began drifting toward over northern India after Hayli Gubbi volcano erupted on Sunday.

The volcano erupted for the first time in 12,000 years sending ash plumes across Red Sea before spreading over Yemen and Oman with plumes now stretching over the northern Arabian Sea.

Now dense ash clouds are heading towards Delhi, Haryana and the adjoining areas of Uttar Pradesh, probably adding to the worsening air quality in Delhi and surrounding areas.

It is however said that ash clouds could not have much effect on air quality as they are thousands of feet up in the atmosphere.

With volcanic ash began drifting in airlines including Akasa Air, IndiGo and KLM have cancelled flights.

The advisory issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) instructed airlines to adjust flight planning, routing avoiding ash-affected areas.

Airlines have been asked to immediately report in the event of noticing any suspected ash encounter, anomalies in engine performance or cabin smoke or ordour.

The DGCA instructed operators to inspect runways, taxiways and aprons if volcanic ash affects airport operations.

Alongside they are directed to stay updated through satellite imagery and meteorological data related to volcanic ash cloud.

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

IndiGo posted 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’.