The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a safety advisory to all airlines following the eruption of Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano. Volcanic ash from the eruption has drifted across parts of the Middle East and is now approaching western and northern India, prompting authorities to place aviation operations on high alert.

Read more: Volcanic ash plumes, Carriers cancel flights; DGCA issues advisory to airlines, airports

DGCA Issues Safety Advisory

The DGCA has urged airlines to avoid all regions and altitudes affected by volcanic ash. Operators have been instructed to review operational manuals on volcanic ash procedures and brief both cockpit and cabin crew. Airlines are also required to:

• Adjust flight planning and routing based on the latest advisories.
• Monitor NOTAMs and meteorological updates continuously.
• Report any suspected ash encounters immediately, including engine fluctuations or unusual cabin odours.
• Conduct post-flight inspections for aircraft that fly over ash-affected zones.

Airports have been advised to inspect runways, taxiways, and aprons if ash is detected, and suspend operations until surfaces are cleared.

The DGCA also directed airlines to maintain round-the-clock monitoring of satellite imagery, Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) bulletins, and ash-movement forecasts.

Flight Disruptions Begin

Several flights have already been affected due to the ash plume. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines cancelled its Amsterdam–Delhi service (KL 871) and the return Delhi–Amsterdam flight (KL 872).

Air India flight AI 358 (Delhi to Tokyo) was stopped before take-off and delayed due to operational reasons.

IndiGo flight 6E 1433 (Kannur to Abu Dhabi) diverted to Ahmedabad to avoid the plume.

Another Indian carrier had an aircraft undergo engine checks in Abu Dhabi before continuing its journey.

Indian carriers have issued cautionary updates for passengers travelling through the Middle East:

SpiceJet advised passengers travelling to and from Dubai to monitor flight status closely, stating that its Flight Operations and Safety teams are coordinating with aviation authorities to monitor ash cloud movement.

Akasa Air confirmed it is closely tracking volcanic activity and assessing potential impacts on nearby regions, emphasising that passenger safety is the airline’s “utmost priority.”

IndiGo stated it is fully prepared with all precautions and will provide passengers with timely updates.

Air India reassured passengers that there is currently no major impact on flights but said that safety remains the top priority, with ground teams ready to support travellers.

Hayli Gubbi Volcano Eruption

The Hayli Gubbi volcano erupted on Sunday for the first time in nearly 10,000 years, sending a massive ash plume across the Red Sea toward Oman and Yemen before drifting eastwards. Authorities are closely monitoring the plume as it moves toward northern India, including the airspace above Delhi and Jaipur.

Ash Cloud Path and Potential Risks

While its intensity is expected to reduce over land and sea, flight disruptions are likely to continue overnight as airlines navigate around the affected corridor.

Officials warn that even limited ash exposure can damage aircraft engines, which is why detours, delays, and flight cancellations are expected. Passengers are advised to check flight status frequently and follow airline updates.

What Passengers Should Do

Travelers flying through affected regions should:

• Regularly check the status of their flights.
• Expect potential delays or detours.
• Follow airline and airport instructions closely.

Authorities will continue to provide updates as the situation develops. Airlines and aviation regulators remain on high alert to ensure passenger safety and maintain operational integrity.

Inputs from agencies