A massive volcanic ash cloud from Ethiopia has swept across India, forcing airlines to cancel dozens of flights and disrupting travel for thousands of passengers this week.
The Hayli Gubbi Volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region erupted for the first time in approximately 10,000 years on Sunday, November 23, sending ash plumes soaring to 45,000 feet. The volcanic eruption’s impact has been felt across multiple continents and has caught residents by surprise. Resident Ahmed Abdela described the moment to CNN: “It felt like a sudden bomb had been thrown with smoke and ash.”
Flights Cancelled Due to Ash Cloud
Seven international flights were cancelled and 12 others delayed on Tuesday as the Ethiopian volcano ash affected Indian airspace. Major carriers bore the brunt of the disruptions, with news of flight cancellations dominating headlines.
Air India has scrapped 11 flights since Monday, affecting routes including New York to Delhi, Dubai to Mumbai, and Doha to Chennai. The airline carried out precautionary checks on aircraft that had flown over certain geographical locations after the volcanic eruption.
Budget carrier Akasa Air suspended all services to Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi from 24 to 25 November. IndiGo and Dutch carrier KLM also adjusted operations, with several flights cancelled due to safety concerns.
How the Ash Cloud Reached India
The windborne cloud of ash crossed swathes of Northwest India, passing over Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Delhi-NCR, and Punjab. High-altitude winds carried the Ethiopian volcano ash plume across the Red Sea through Yemen and Oman before reaching western India on Monday evening.
Despite visible haze in some areas, experts reassured the public about air quality concerns. Environmentalist Vimlendu Jha told ANI that the ash clouds are unlikely to immediately affect Delhi’s air quality, as the sulphur dioxide and glass particles remain in the upper atmosphere.
The India Meteorological Department confirmed the ash cleared Indian skies by Tuesday evening as it drifted towards China.
Safety Measures Implemented
Photo from NASA
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued urgent advisories to airlines, emphasising the severe risks volcanic ash poses to aircraft, including engine failure and navigation system interference. Airlines conducted thorough inspections on affected aircraft before resuming operations to minimise travel disruption caused by volcanic ash.
The precautionary alert has now been lifted. Latest analysis confirms the ash plume has safely moved away from northern India and is dispersing in the upper atmosphere over China and the Pacific.
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*Banner photo by Upendra Wanmali on Unsplash
