Air India and IndiGo Suspend Flights After Ethiopia Volcano Ash Reaches Indian Air Routes

As Ethiopia Volcano Ash disrupts aviation, IndiGo cancels flights, diverts routes, checks aircraft engines and coordinates travel updates for affected passengers.

A massive cloud of volcanic ash from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano has drifted into Indian airspace, leading to significant disruptions across major Indian airlines. The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region erupted after nearly 10,000 to 12,000 years of inactivity, sending a towering ash plume almost 14 kilometres into the atmosphere. This plume travelled across the Red Sea and the Arabian Peninsula before reaching several parts of India, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, northwest Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab.

The India Meteorological Department confirmed that the ash arrived at high altitudes and is expected to clear by around 7.30 pm IST on Tuesday. While the ash is unlikely to affect ground-level air quality severely, some areas may notice haze or unusual sky colours until the plume passes.

DGCA Issues Safety Advisory

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued an alert instructing all airlines to avoid the affected airspace because volcanic ash poses a severe risk to aircraft. The DGCA advised airlines to monitor weather reports closely and carry out detailed inspections for any aircraft that may have flown near the ash plume. Volcanic ash can damage engines, scratch cockpit windows, interfere with navigation systems and reduce visibility, which is why authorities have taken strict precautionary measures.

Airlines Cancel and Divert Flights

Air India

Air India has cancelled at least 11 flights since Monday as part of its safety protocol. The airline is also conducting thorough engineering checks on aircraft that may have operated in regions near the ash cloud.

International flights cancelled on November 24 include AI 106 from Newark to Delhi, AI 102 from New York to Delhi, AI 2204 from Dubai to Hyderabad and AI 2290 from Doha to Mumbai. On November 25, several domestic flights were cancelled as well, including AI 2822 from Chennai to Mumbai, AI 2466 from Hyderabad to Delhi and AI 2444 and AI 2445 on the Mumbai to Hyderabad route.

Akasa Air

Akasa Air cancelled scheduled flights to Gulf destinations such as Jeddah, Kuwait and Abu Dhabi for November 24 and 25. The airline stated that these steps were taken strictly as precautionary measures due to the ash cloud drifting into Indian airspace.

IndiGo

IndiGo issued advisories informing passengers about possible delays, rerouting or cancellations. The airline has already modified several flight paths to avoid the affected regions while emphasising that safety remains its top priority.

Impact on Passengers and Air Travel

The arrival of the ash plume has disrupted multiple international routes, especially those connecting India with the Gulf countries and Europe. These corridors are among the busiest for Indian travellers, causing inconvenience and last-minute schedule changes. Airlines say they are offering assistance with rebooking, accommodation and alternate flight arrangements wherever required.

Although the ash layer is located high above the ground, authorities continue to monitor its movement closely. The IMD has reassured the public that significant ground-level air quality effects are unlikely.

Travel Advisory for Passengers

Travellers are advised to regularly check flight status updates before heading to the airport. Since diversions and cancellations may occur at short notice, passengers should plan their travel with additional buffer time and stay updated through airline notifications and official advisories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why are flights being cancelled even though the ash is at high altitude?

Airlines avoid volcanic ash at all altitudes because even small amounts can damage aircraft engines, sensors and windshields, making it unsafe to operate.

2. Which regions in India are affected by the ash cloud?

Parts of Gujarat, Rajasthan, northwest Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab reported the presence of the ash plume at high altitudes.

3. How long will the ash remain in Indian airspace?

According to the India Meteorological Department, the ash is expected to clear by around 7.30 pm IST on Tuesday, although monitoring continues.

4. Will the volcanic ash impact air quality for people on the ground?

IMD officials say major ground-level impact is unlikely because the ash plume is positioned high in the atmosphere, far above breathing levels.

5. What should passengers do if their flight is cancelled or delayed?

Passengers should stay in touch with their airline for rebooking options, check updated schedules online and reach the airport early if they have a confirmed flight.