NEW DELHI: A windborne ash cloud from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano drifted into parts of northwest India on Monday night, reducing visibility and disrupting flight operations across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Delhi-NCR and Punjab.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued an advisory to airlines and airports, cautioning them about operational challenges and urging close monitoring of real-time volcanic ash updates. Operators were instructed to maintain heightened alertness and take precautionary actions as conditions evolved.
Flight schedules were immediately hit. Akasa Air, IndiGo and KLM cancelled multiple services, while several others were rerouted due to the shifting ash plume. Aviation authorities continued tracking the situation through the night to minimise passenger impact.
The DGCA’s earlier advisory on Monday had already instructed airlines to avoid specific air routes and altitudes impacted by ash from the Hayli Gubbi eruption, reported on Sunday. Airports were directed to inspect runways for signs of ash deposition and suspend operations if contamination was detected, with officials warning of likely delays and diversions.
In one instance, IndiGo’s Kannur–Abu Dhabi flight (6E 1433) diverted to Ahmedabad on Monday, avoiding the affected corridor. Another Indian carrier operating into Abu Dhabi was forced to conduct extensive engine checks before its return.
Airlines also issued independent statements to reassure travellers. Air India said it was “closely monitoring the situation” and that there was “no major impact” on its operations so far, promising timely updates and safety-first measures. Akasa Air echoed the sentiment, emphasising that passenger well-being remained its top priority.
While meteorological models suggest the ash plume will gradually weaken as it travels across land and sea, aviation sources said Delhi and Jaipur airspace will continue to require close surveillance as the haze moves eastward beyond Oman and Yemen.
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