Air India and Akasa Cancel Flights After Ethiopia Volcano Sends Ash Across Skies

Post by : Saif

Indian airlines Air India and Akasa Air were forced to cancel several flights on Monday and Tuesday after a major volcanic eruption in Ethiopia sent ash clouds across the skies of multiple countries. The eruption came from the Hayli Gubbi volcano, which erupted on Sunday for the first time in recorded history and created large ash plumes rising up to nearly 14 kilometres into the air.

Flight safety was the main reason behind the cancellations. Air India announced that 11 flights were cancelled across the two days after India’s aviation regulator asked airlines to run precautionary checks on aircraft that had flown through possible ash-affected airspace. Volcanic ash poses serious risks to aircraft, including damage to engines and reduced visibility, so airlines followed strict safety measures to ensure the wellbeing of passengers and crew.

Akasa Air also took action by cancelling scheduled flights to several Middle Eastern destinations such as Kuwait, Jeddah, and Abu Dhabi. The decision was made after the airline evaluated the situation and found that flying through the affected region could be unsafe due to the ash clouds drifting across international air routes.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the ash cloud was moving toward China and was expected to be clear of Indian skies by Tuesday afternoon. According to tracking data from Flightradar24, the ash had travelled across Yemen and Oman before reaching Pakistan and parts of northern India, affecting air travel in the broader region.

The sudden eruption has drawn attention around the world as scientists and governments continue to monitor the movement of the large ash plume. Air traffic authorities in several countries have been working to track the cloud in real time to prevent any risks to civilian flights. Volcanic ash can spread quickly and remain in the atmosphere for hours or even days depending on wind conditions, making ongoing monitoring essential.

For passengers, the cancellations have led to delays and schedule changes, but airlines have stated that passenger safety must remain the top priority. Air India and Akasa have advised travellers to stay updated through official airline notifications and customer service channels.

As volcanic ash continues to spread, aviation experts say that flight disruptions could continue in different regions depending on weather conditions and the direction of the ash cloud. If ash levels drop and skies become clear, regular flight operations are expected to resume soon.

Airlines around the world have faced similar challenges in the past when volcanic eruptions affected air travel, and once again, safety precautions have proven to be essential in protecting both passengers and aircraft. While the disruption is inconvenient, authorities and airlines have emphasized that safety in the air cannot be compromised.

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