• Source:JND
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Ethiopia Volcanic Eruption: Flight operations across northwestern India were disrupted on Monday after a massive cloud of volcanic ash from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano, erupting for the first time in nearly 12,000 years, entered the Indian airspace around 6:30 PM. The plume, travelling at nearly 100-120 km/hr above 10 km, darkened skies, and reduced visibility, forcing airlines to divert or cancel multiple flights throughout the evening.

The massive cloud of volcanic ash crossed key regions, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Delhi-NCR, and Punjab, before continuing eastwards across the subcontinent, Hindustan Times reported.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that while the volcanic ash plume was at high altitude, the impact on surface-level pollution is expected to be minimal. However, the aviation authorities warned of severe flight disruptions on Tuesday if ash descends over major airports.

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Updates On Ethiopian Volcanic Eruption

- The cloud of volcanic ash from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano entered Indian airspace over Rajasthan at 6:30 PM and crossed Gujarat, Delhi-NCR and Punjab at a speed of 100-120 km/hr.

- In response, IndiGo cancelled at least six flights. Meanwhile, Akasa Air suspended its services to Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi for the period of November 24-25. Additionally, several other flights were diverted as a precautionary measure.

- The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued an urgent ASHTAM, a volcanic ash alert, directing all airlines to avoid affected altitudes and follow volcanic-ash procedures strictly, the report added.

- International airlines began rerouting their flights through alternative airspace, primarily via Pakistan. However, Indian carriers cannot use those routes, increasing the number of flight cancellations and delays.

- India’s aviation regulator has instructed all airports to prepare for immediate inspection of runways, taxiways, and aprons if ashfall occurs. Additionally, the DGCA has said that the airport operations will be immediately suspended if any contamination is found.

ALSO READ: Ethiopian Volcano Eruption: Ash Cloud To Reach Gujarat, Delhi; DGCA Issues Advisory As Flight Operations Hit

- India Meteorological Department (IMD) DG M Mahopatra said that the plume is at a high altitude, at 10-15 km, and is unlikely to significantly affect surface air quality. However, the ash is expected to cause hazy skies and may lead to a minor rise in minimum temperatures across the affected regions.

- The plume consists of volcanic ash, sulphur dioxide, and small particles of rock and glass. These materials can cause skies to darken and pose hazards to aircraft engines.

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