Volcanic Ash Disrupts Flight Services, Air India & Akasa Air Pause Operations

On Tuesday, prominent Indian carriers, Air India and Akasa Air, declared the suspension of multiple flights following disruptions due to ash clouds resulting from a volcanic event in Ethiopia. The Hayli Gubbi volcano erupted on Sunday, releasing ash plumes that soared to altitudes of 14 kilometers, hindering air traffic across various areas.

Air India disclosed that it canceled 11 flights on Monday and Tuesday as a precautionary measure. This action was taken based on guidelines from India's aviation authorities, who mandated safety inspections on planes that had traversed regions impacted by the volcanic ash. The airline reiterated its commitment to safety amid these exceptional conditions.

Akasa Air, a relatively new airline in India, similarly called off flights bound for Middle Eastern destinations like Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi. These cancellations, spread over a two-day timeframe, aimed to mitigate risks associated with the ash cloud.

The ash plume extended from Ethiopia into parts of Yemen and Oman, ultimately reaching Pakistan and northern India by Tuesday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the ash cloud was projected to dissipate in Indian airspace by 1400 GMT Tuesday.

This eruption is particularly noteworthy as it marks the inaugural recorded eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia. The extensively high ash clouds not only disrupted airline operations but also presented safety risks for aviation in several nations.

Both airlines are actively observing developments and collaborating with aviation regulatory bodies to ensure the safety of their passengers. Normal flight operations are anticipated to resume once the ash cloud completely clears.

Travelers with these airlines are encouraged to stay updated on the latest information and prepare for potential delays or rescheduling until conditions improve.