Akasa Air cancels India-Gulf flights amid volcanic ash disruption

Akasa Air has cancelled all its flights between India and the Gulf region for November 24 and 25, 2025, following a significant volcanic eruption in Ethiopia. The disruption stems from a massive ash plume, ejected by Ethiopia's Hauli Gubbi volcano, which has drifted into critical flight paths connecting India with destinations like Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi. This environmental hazard created unsafe flying conditions, prompting the airline to prioritize passenger and crew safety through immediate cancellations and rerouting efforts.

The volcanic ash, reaching an altitude of approximately 45,000 feet and traveling northeast at speeds of 100–120 kilometers per hour, rapidly entered key air corridors. Akasa Air confirmed that affected passengers received options for a full refund or free rebooking within seven days. India's aviation regulator issued advisories to airlines and airports, urging close monitoring of the ash cloud's trajectory and preparing for potential operational challenges. Other carriers, including IndiGo, also experienced similar disruptions, with some flights diverted or suspended as the ash cloud approached controlled airspace.

Operational teams across the affected airlines are working in conjunction with international aviation bodies to mitigate further disruption and ensure flight resumptions only when conditions are deemed safe. The Hauli Gubbi volcano's activity marks its first eruption in over ten millennia, underscoring the unpredictable nature of such events on global air travel. Airlines serving the Gulf routes remain on high alert, ready to adjust schedules as the situation evolves, with passenger safety remaining the paramount concern.