Ethiopia volcanic eruption: Airlines cancel flights, Hayli Gubbi volcano ash to clear from India by evening

A massive ash plume from Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi volcano triggered widespread flight cancellations and significant disruptions across Indian cities and international routes on Monday and Tuesday. The eruption sent volcanic ash drifting across West Asia and towards India, prompting major commercial carriers to halt operations as a critical safety precaution. Airlines including Air India, Akasa Air, IndiGo, and KLM cancelled numerous flights, impacting thousands of passengers and underscoring the severe operational challenges posed by natural phenomena.

Air India alone cancelled at least 11 flights, initiating precautionary checks on aircraft that had traversed ash-affected airspace. Akasa Air suspended flights to Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi, while IndiGo cancelled Middle East-bound services, and KLM halted its Amsterdam-Delhi route. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued forecasts indicating ash influence over several Indian states, including Gujarat, Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana, before predicting the ash clouds would clear Indian skies by Tuesday evening.

In response to the escalating situation, the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a comprehensive advisory. The regulator directed airlines to strictly avoid volcanic ash-affected zones, adjust flight routing and fuel planning, and immediately report any suspected ash encounters. Airport operators received instructions to inspect runways, taxiways, and aprons for ash deposition, reinforcing the industry's commitment to operational safety. Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) also reported the cancellation of two international flights, further illustrating the localized impact of the ash cloud.

The aviation industry prioritizes passenger and crew safety above all else, leading to these proactive measures. Airlines deployed ground teams to assist stranded passengers with rebooking and accommodation, mitigating the impact of the unforeseen disruptions. The swift coordination between airlines, meteorological agencies, and regulatory bodies proved crucial in managing the crisis and ensuring a controlled response to the environmental threat.