Ethiopian Volcanic Ash Cloud Causes Significant Disruption to Air India Flight Schedules

An eruption from a volcano in Ethiopia has generated a significant ash cloud, rising up to 15 kilometers above sea level, which subsequently drifted across the Red Sea and Yemen before reaching Indian airspace over Delhi. This unexpected aerial phenomenon prompted immediate safety concerns for commercial aviation operations in the region, leading to swift action by Indian aviation authorities.

In response to the volcanic ash presence, Indian Aviation Authorities mandated strict flight cancellations in affected directions and advised passengers utilizing Mumbai Airport to verify their flight status before traveling. Furthermore, pilots operating flights in the vicinity were instructed to report any unusual smoke or ash smells detected during their journeys, highlighting the potential hazards posed by airborne volcanic particulate matter to aircraft engines and systems.

Air India, a major Indian carrier, confirmed the cancellation of 11 flights on both Monday and Tuesday as a precautionary safety measure to mitigate risks associated with the ash cloud. Conversely, Ethiopian Airlines reported no impact on its flight schedules, though it continues to monitor the situation closely with aviation authorities. The volcano, located in the Denakil Depression near Ertale, was previously considered dormant for approximately 12,000 years, making this eruption a notable event for regional air travel.