Air India has suspended at least 11 flights since Monday and is performing precautionary inspections on aircraft that traversed areas impacted by ash plumes from the volcanic eruption in Ethiopia.
Indian airlines, including Air India and Akasa Air, announced on Tuesday that they were cancelling certain flights due to disruptions caused by the ash plumes resulting from a volcanic eruption in Ethiopia.
In a message posted on X, Air India stated that a total of 11 flights were cancelled since Monday, when the ash plume was first detected entering Indian airspace. The airline noted, “The following Air India flights have been cancelled as we execute precautionary checks on those aircraft that had flown over specific geographical locations after the Hayli Gubbi volcanic eruption. Our ground teams throughout the network are keeping passengers informed about their flight status and offering immediate support, including hotel accommodations. We are striving to arrange alternative travel as swiftly as possible.”
List of cancelled Air India flights
On Tuesday, Air India cancelled four domestic services — AI 2822 (Chennai–Mumbai), AI 2466 (Hyderabad–Delhi), AI 2444 / 2445 (Mumbai–Hyderabad–Mumbai), and AI 2471 / 2472 (Mumbai–Kolkata–Mumbai).
The day before, the airline had cancelled seven international flights, including AI 106 (Newark–Delhi), AI 102 (New York JFK–Delhi), AI 2204 (Dubai–Hyderabad), and AI 2290 (Doha–Mumbai).
Air India announced it is conducting precautionary inspections on aircraft that recently operated over select regions following the Hayli Gubbi volcanic eruption, according to a report by news agency PTI.
Akasa Air, IndiGo suspend flights
In a similar vein, Akasa Air also indicated that it had cancelled several scheduled flights to West Asia for destinations such as Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi, originally planned for November 24-25.
Earlier on Monday, IndiGo also cancelled six of its flights, as reported by Hindustan Times, which went on to mention that several other flights were diverted. An ANI report indicated that KLM also suspended some flight operations, with all airlines required to adjust their schedules and routes following an assessment by the authorities.
Hayli Gubbi volcanic eruption
A significant ash plume from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano, which has erupted for the first time in nearly 12,000 years, reached India at around 10 pm on Monday, ANI reported, citing IndiaMetSky Weather.
The ash plume was released into the atmosphere after an explosive eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano, located in Ethiopia’s Erta Ale Range, began at approximately 8:30 am on Sunday.
This extensive ash plume comprises volcanic ash, sulfur dioxide, and small fragments of glass and rock. Reports indicated that while the eruption has since ceased, a large ash plume moved toward India at a velocity of 100–120 km/h and was traveling at altitudes ranging from 15,000 to 25,000 feet, reaching up to 45,000 feet.
After the eruption, traces of volcanic ash were detected across certain regions of the Arabian Peninsula, leading airlines to caution passengers traveling through West Asia to remain vigilant.
Reports suggested that the ash cloud would initially move into Gujarat before progressing towards Rajasthan, north-west Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab, ultimately reaching the Himalayan area.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced on Tuesday that the ash clouds are heading towards China and are anticipated to dissipate over Indian skies by approximately 7:30 pm.
As per the IMD, forecast models indicated that the ash could impact Gujarat, Delhi–NCR, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana throughout the day.
In a comprehensive advisory released on Monday, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) directed airlines to steer clear of designated volcanic-ash zones and affected flight levels, and to adjust flight paths, planning, and fuel necessities according to the latest information.
Airlines were instructed to promptly report any suspected encounters with ash, including any unusual engine behavior or indications of smoke or odor within the cabin.
The DGCA further noted that if volcanic ash disrupts airport operations, the relevant operator must promptly inspect runways, taxiways, and aprons. Depending on the level of contamination, flight operations may be limited until cleaning and safety assessments are finalized.
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