Air India had to cancel numerous flights after conducting precautionary checks on aircraft that had passed over areas affected by the Hayli Gubbi volcanic eruption in Ethiopia, as volcanic ash clouds from the eruption kept affecting flight routes across several countries, including India.
The cancellations occurred as the ash plume expanded quickly, impacting airspace over western and northern India.
The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region erupted on Sunday for the first time in nearly 12,000 years, sending ash clouds thousands of kilometres away.
From there, the ash drifted towards various states including Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab. Meanwhile, Delhi, which is already struggling with severe pollution, saw the ash layer late last night.
Airlines told to adjust routes and flight plans amid volcanic ash threat
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the ash was continuing its eastward movement and was probably to clear Indian skies by 7:30 pm.
In feedback, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) provided instructions to refrain from volcanic ash-affected routes and update flight schedules, routing, and fuel requirements on the basis of current information.
Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet were among the carriers affected. Air India, had to cancel eleven flights after the eruption, said that ground teams were providing assistance to passengers with updates and hotel accommodation.
The airline restated that it “sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to passengers due to this unexpected situation beyond our control,” adding that passenger and crew safety remained its top priority.
Flight disruptions continue as airlines track ash movement
For 24 November, Air India cancelled AI 106 (Newark-Delhi), AI 102 (New York-Delhi), AI 2204 (Dubai-Hyderabad), AI 2290 (Doha-Mumbai), AI 2212 (Dubai-Chennai), AI 2250 (Dammam-Mumbai), and AI 2284 (Doha-Delhi). For 25 November, the cancelled flights included AI 2822 (Chennai-Mumbai), AI 2466 (Hyderabad-Delhi), AI 2444/2445 (Mumbai-Hyderabad-Mumbai), and AI 2471/2472 (Mumbai-Kolkata-Mumbai).
IndiGo informed passengers that it was monitoring the situation closely, saying, “Following the recent eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia, ash clouds are reported to be drifting towards parts of western India… We are fully prepared with all necessary precautions to ensure safe and reliable operations.”
The eruption sent ash plumes rising up to 14 kilometres and blanketed nearby Ethiopian villages, marking one of the most significant geological events in the region in millennia. Located in the active Rift Valley and about 500 metres high, the Hayli Gubbi volcano has long been monitored for its volcanic activity.
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