Volcanic Ash Forces Cancellations by Air India and Akasa Air

Post by : Raina Nasser

On Tuesday, Air India and Akasa Air, two major airlines in India, informed the public about several flight cancellations owing to disruptions from the ash plume produced by a volcanic eruption in Ethiopia. The Hayli Gubbi volcano erupted on Sunday, releasing ash clouds that ascended up to 14 kilometers, creating obstacles for air travel in various regions.

Air India took precautionary measures by canceling 11 flights over Monday and Tuesday. These actions were taken following advice from India's aviation authority, which mandated airlines conduct safety assessments on planes that had operated in areas impacted by the volcanic ash. The airline stressed that passenger safety remains its foremost concern during these unusual circumstances.

Akasa Air has also canceled flights to several Middle Eastern destinations such as Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi. These cancellations were planned to mitigate any dangers associated with the ash cloud during this two-day period.

The ash plume has traveled from Ethiopia through parts of Yemen and Oman, eventually reaching Pakistan and northern India by Tuesday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted that the ash cloud should clear from Indian skies by 1400 GMT on Tuesday.

This volcanic eruption is noteworthy, marking the first recorded eruption of Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano. The ash clouds affected not only airlines but also created significant challenges for aviation safety across multiple nations.

Both airlines are diligently monitoring developments and collaborating with aviation authorities to ensure the safety of passengers. Normal flight operations are anticipated to resume once the ash cloud completely dissipates.

Passengers flying with these airlines are encouraged to stay updated and prepare for possible delays or rescheduling until conditions improve.