A cloud of volcanic ash originating from the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia is expected to reach North India by 10 PM today, prompting the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to issue warnings of potential flight disruptions. The Hayli Gubbi volcano, located in Ethiopia's Erta Ale Range, erupted on Sunday for the first time in nearly 10,000 to 12,000 years, sending a massive plume of ash eastward.
The ash cloud, which has already traveled across the Red Sea and parts of the Middle East and Central Asia, is expected to impact air space over parts of North India, including Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. Meteorological experts indicate that the ash plume is rising to altitudes of 10-15 kilometers above the Earth's surface and contains volcanic ash, sulphur dioxide, and fine rock particles.
In response to the approaching ash cloud, the DGCA has issued a safety advisory to all airlines, recommending that they avoid affected regions and altitudes. The advisory also directs airlines to brief cockpit and cabin crew on volcanic ash procedures outlined in their operational manuals. Airlines are instructed to adjust flight planning and routing based on the latest advisories and to immediately report any suspected ash encounters. The aviation watchdog has also advised airlines to suspend operations if contamination is detected until it is cleared.
Several airlines, including Akasa Air, IndiGo, KLM, and Air India have already taken precautionary measures, including flight cancellations and rerouting. Air India flight AI 358 from Delhi to Tokyo was halted just before takeoff due to reports of ash clouds reaching Delhi. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has cancelled its Amsterdam-Delhi service (KL 871) and the return Delhi-Amsterdam flight (KL 872). A Mumbai airport official noted that several flights were being rerouted through Pakistan's airspace to avoid the affected region.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that the primary impact of the ash cloud will be on flight operations. IMD Director General M Mohapatra stated that the plumes are in the "upper-levels," so a significant impact near the surface is not expected. He added that the phenomenon might appear as a hazy, cloudy sky with a marginal rise in temperature. The IMD has stated that it is unclear whether it will impact air quality.
Aviation authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are hopeful that the intensity of the ash cloud will reduce as it travels across land and ocean. Airports have been instructed to inspect runways for contamination and suspend operations if necessary. Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest flight status updates before heading to the airport.
