Huge Ash Clouds Disrupt Air India & Other Flights

Indian airlines faced large scale disruptions after ash from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano entered Indian airspace. You saw several carriers cancel and delay flights as they tried to protect passengers and aircraft from ash related risks.

Ash Plume Travels Across Regions

The volcano erupted on November 23 after nearly twelve thousand years. Its ash rose to around fourteen kilometres and strong winds pushed it across the Red Sea. It then spread over Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Delhi NCR, Haryana, and Punjab.

Major Airlines Cancel Flights

Air India cancelled eleven flights on November 24 and 25. The airline said it needed to inspect aircraft that travelled through affected routes for possible ash deposits. These checks were essential to ensure safe operations.

International Routes Affected

Several international flights also faced disruptions. Services to cities such as Tokyo, Jeddah, Newark, New York, and Dubai were hit. Akasa Air cancelled all flights to and from Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, and Kuwait. IndiGo diverted a Kannur to Abu Dhabi flight to avoid the ash zone.

Aviation Authorities Issue Advisories

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation instructed airlines to avoid risky altitudes and routes. You saw advisories asking pilots to monitor engine parameters closely and maintenance crews to check for ash deposits. Airports inspected runways and tracked ash movements through satellite data.

Ash Expected To Clear Soon

The Indian Meteorological Department said the ash would clear Indian airspace by the evening of November 25. It continued drifting east toward China as weather systems moved it further away from India.

Global Impact And Passenger Support

The disruptions extended beyond India. KLM and several Middle Eastern airlines altered schedules or cancelled flights. Ground teams managed stranded passengers, arranged rebookings, and provided accommodation. Authorities stayed alert until conditions stabilised.