Volcanic ash from Ethiopia causes flight disruptions in India
Volcanic ash from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi eruption is drifting towards India at cruising altitudes and has already started disrupting some India-linked flights, mainly on West Asia and northern India routes.
What has happened
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Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano in the Afar Rift erupted for the first time in nearly 10,000 years, sending an ash column up to roughly 14–15 km (around 45,000 feet) into the atmosphere.
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The ash plume is being carried east–northeast by strong jet streams at about 100–120 km/h, crossing the Red Sea and Arabian region and moving toward western and northern India.
Impact on India flights so far
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The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued an advisory directing airlines to strictly avoid volcanic‑ash‑affected areas and adjust routes, altitudes, and fuel planning.
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Several flights on West Asia and Europe corridors have been rerouted or cancelled; Akasa Air, IndiGo and KLM are among carriers that suspended or altered some services on affected paths.
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One example already reported is IndiGo flight 6E1433 (Kannur–Abu Dhabi), which was diverted to Ahmedabad due to the ash cloud hazard along its planned track.
Likely effect over Indian airspace
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IMD and aviation authorities say the ash plumes at 10–15 km height are primarily a risk to aircraft engines and avionics rather than to people on the ground, so the main impact is expected on flight operations, not public health.
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Forecasts suggest the plume is entering via western India (around Gujarat) and then moving toward Rajasthan, Delhi‑NCR, Punjab and nearby sectors, with airlines warning of possible further rerouting and delays if ash concentrations remain significant.
What passengers should do
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Travellers on routes linking India with the Gulf, Africa and Europe, and those flying into/out of major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai and possibly Jaipur, should closely check flight status and airline advisories on the day of travel.
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Airlines have stated that safety is the top priority and that they will continue to adjust routes or cancel flights as needed; passengers are being advised to monitor SMS/app updates and arrive early in case of last‑minute gate or schedule changes.
