Indian Civil Aviation Minister assures safety amid Ethiopia volcano eruption

India's Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, has provided strong assurances that comprehensive safety precautions are actively in place following the explosive eruption of Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi volcano. The Minister confirmed that the situation is under continuous monitoring, with proactive communication maintained between airline and airport operators to ensure streamlined operations across Indian airspace. This swift response follows reports from the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC), which indicated the eruption commenced around 8:30 am UTC on November 23, marking the first activity from the nearly 10,000-year-dormant volcano, with ash clouds now confirmed to be drifting towards parts of western India.

In light of the potential for airspace disruption, major Indian carriers including IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air have all issued statements underscoring their unwavering commitment to passenger safety. IndiGo specifically communicated via X (formerly Twitter) that its dedicated teams are closely tracking the situation in real-time, working in coordination with international aviation bodies to assess and mitigate any risks. Air India reiterated its vigilance, confirming it remains in constant touch with its operating crews and has observed no significant impact on its flight schedules at this juncture. Similarly, Akasa Air stated its close monitoring of the volcanic activity in Ethiopia and its potential effects on flight operations within the broader region.

The coordinated efforts by the Indian Civil Aviation Ministry and the nation's airlines highlight the critical importance of robust safety protocols when natural phenomena threaten air travel. Volcanic ash, known for its abrasive properties and potential to cause engine failure, poses a severe threat to aircraft integrity and flight safety. Therefore, immediate and precise operational adjustments, coupled with continuous meteorological and geological assessments, are paramount. While current flight operations continue without major disruption, the ongoing vigilance ensures that any evolving risks from the Hayli Gubbi ash cloud are promptly identified and addressed, safeguarding both passenger and crew welfare across all potentially affected flight paths and ensuring the continuity of commercial aviation services.