Eruption Sends High-Altitude Ash Into Busy Flight Paths
Air India and Akasa Air scrubbed several international services after a powerful eruption of Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano sent volcanic ash drifting into air corridors linking West Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Both carriers framed the move as a safety-first response, noting that ash can threaten aircraft engines and navigation systems. India’s aviation authorities issued advisories urging operators to monitor conditions closely and adjust routes as needed.
Carriers Shift Operations and Examine Aircraft
According to Air India, multiple jets were taken out of rotation for detailed technical checks to ensure they had not encountered fine ash particles while in nearby airspace. Akasa Air temporarily halted flights on select Middle East routes, citing fast-changing atmospheric data and the need to avoid zones where ash concentrations were being reported. Passengers were advised to track updated schedules and rebooking options as airlines recalibrated operations.
Plume’s Eastward Drift Puts Forecasters on Alert
Meteorological agencies, working alongside Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers, tracked the plume as it climbed to significant heights and traveled across the Red Sea toward the Arabian Peninsula before edging closer to South Asia. India’s weather bureau monitored the evolving pattern, noting that impacts on aviation depend heavily on altitude bands and shifting winds. Regulators cautioned that further schedule changes could occur if the plume’s trajectory alters, emphasizing that flight safety remains the central consideration.
