Ash Plume From Hayli Gubbi Eruption Disrupts Regional Air Travel
Air India and Akasa Air cancelled multiple international flights after ash from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano drifted across busy West Asia–South Asia air corridors. The airlines described the cancellations as precautionary, citing safety checks on aircraft that may have flown near affected airspace and the need to avoid routes where ash concentrations were reported. India’s aviation regulator issued advisories asking carriers to monitor volcanic ash forecasts and adjust operations accordingly.
Airlines Conduct Inspections, Reroute Flights
Air India said several aircraft were undergoing detailed inspections, including checks on engines and sensors that can be damaged by ash exposure. Akasa Air suspended flights to select Gulf destinations as meteorological agencies reported the ash plume moving toward the Arabian Peninsula and parts of South Asia. Both airlines advised passengers to watch for rebooking updates, noting that schedules may remain fluid as conditions change.
Meteorologists Track Plume Movement Toward India
Meteorological agencies and Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers observed the plume rising to high altitudes and drifting across the Red Sea before spreading eastward. India’s weather authorities monitored potential impacts on northern airspace, though they stressed that ash concentrations would vary by altitude and wind patterns. Regulators said further flight disruptions were possible if the plume persisted or shifted, and that safety would remain the overriding priority for all carriers.
