Several airlines, including India’s IndiGo and Akasa Air, as well as Dutch carrier KLM, were forced to cancel a number of flights on Monday after ash clouds from Ethiopia’s volcanic eruption drifted into Indian airspace. The cancellations were carried out as a precautionary measure amid fears of possible disruptions caused by the ash plume.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday issued a safety advisory mandating all Indian carriers to reassess their flight planning, adjust fuel intake where necessary, and strictly avoid altitudes and regions affected by the volcanic ash generated from the Hayli Gubbi volcano.
Volcano Erupts After 10,000 Years
The Hayli Gubbi volcano, located in Ethiopia’s Afar Rift, erupted on Sunday — its first recorded eruption in more than 10,000 years. It spewed a massive ash plume rising up to 45,000 feet, prompting widespread aviation alerts across regions potentially affected by the drifting cloud.
The ash plume was reported to be travelling northeast at 100–120 km/h, entering Indian airspace on Monday, and is expected to move further toward western parts of India.
Flight Cancellations Begin
According to sources quoted by PTI, IndiGo cancelled several flights bound for the Middle East, while KLM cancelled its Amsterdam–Delhi service due to the volcanic ash threat.
In its advisory, DGCA noted that if volcanic ash affects airport operations, the concerned airport authority must immediately inspect runways, taxiways, and aprons. Depending on the level of contamination, operations may be restricted and cleaning procedures must be completed before resuming normal aircraft movement.
The regulator further directed all operators to continuously track the volcanic ash cloud and stay updated through satellite imagery and meteorological data.
Akasa Air and IndiGo Issue Statements
In a statement, Akasa Air confirmed the cancellation of several Middle East flights:
“Following recent volcanic activity in Ethiopia and the resulting ash plume in the surrounding airspace, our flights to and from Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi scheduled for 24th and 25th November 2025 have been cancelled.”
The airline added that its operational teams are closely monitoring the situation and will act in accordance with international aviation guidelines and safety measures.
IndiGo also posted an update on X (formerly Twitter), reassuring passengers:
“Following the recent eruption of the #HayliGubbi volcano in #Ethiopia, ash clouds are reported to be drifting towards parts of western India. We understand that such news may cause concern, and we want to reassure you that your safety remains our highest priority.
Our teams are closely tracking the situation in coordination with international aviation bodies. We are fully prepared with all necessary precautions to ensure safe and reliable operations.”
Aviation Sector on High Alert
With the ash plume still drifting and its movement being closely monitored, airlines are expected to evaluate their schedules on a day-to-day basis. Volcanic ash poses severe risks to aircraft, including engine damage, reduced visibility, and impaired sensors — making precautionary cancellations crucial for passenger safety.