DELHI- Air India (AI) and Akasa Air (QP) cancelled flights after volcanic ash from Ethiopia drifted into Indian airspace, affecting operations through Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Hyderabad (HYD), and other cities. The disruption began late Monday after the ash cloud was first detected over India.
The airlines said the cancellations were precautionary, with Air India (AI) grounding aircraft that recently crossed affected regions and Akasa Air (QP) suspending select West Asia services to destinations such as Jeddah (JED), Kuwait (KWI), and Abu Dhabi (AUH).
Indian Airlines Cancels Flights
The ash plume from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano pushed carriers to modify routes, cancel flights, and begin mandatory technical inspections.
Air India confirmed 11 cancellations over two days and noted that affected aircraft are undergoing detailed checks. Ground teams have been tasked with assisting passengers, managing accommodation, and arranging alternative travel.
IndiGo (6E) also suspended six flights and diverted several others after authorities issued guidance to avoid volcanic-ash zones. KLM (KL) adjusted its schedules as well, following regional safety directives. Aviation regulators stated that aircraft crossing contaminated airspace must be inspected for potential engine or system exposure.
Flight Cancellations Across Indian Carriers
Air India cancelled four domestic flights on Tuesday. These included AI 2822 on the Chennai (MAA) to Mumbai (BOM) sector and AI 2466 operating Hyderabad (HYD) to Delhi (DEL). Services on the Mumbai–Hyderabad–Mumbai and Mumbai–Kolkata–Mumbai routes were also suspended.
The previous day saw cancellations on long-haul sectors such as Newark (EWR) to Delhi (DEL) and New York JFK to Delhi (DEL). Regional services from Dubai (DXB) to Hyderabad (HYD) and from Doha (DOH) to Mumbai (BOM) were withdrawn as well.
Akasa Air suspended select flights to West Asia for November 24 and 25. IndiGo and KLM followed suit with route changes and diversions based on evolving meteorological data.
Scale and Movement of the Ash Plume
The Hayli Gubbi eruption produced a significant ash plume containing ash, sulphur dioxide, and fine particulate matter. The plume travelled at speeds up to 120 kilometres an hour at altitudes between 15,000 and 45,000 feet.
Meteorological reports showed the cloud sweeping into western India before moving north towards Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and eventually the Himalayan region.
The India Meteorological Department stated on Tuesday that the ash cloud was drifting toward China and expected to clear from Indian skies by evening. Forecast models indicated that Gujarat, Rajasthan, and the Delhi–NCR corridor could face temporary airspace constraints during the day.
Regulatory Measures
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued advisories instructing airlines to avoid designated ash zones, review fuel planning, and reroute flights where required.
Carriers were told to report any suspected ash encounter, including abnormal engine behaviour or smoke and odour inside cabins.
The regulator added that if ash affects airport infrastructure, operators must examine runways, taxiways, and aprons before resuming movements. Traffic may be restricted until contamination is removed and safety checks are completed.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
