Last Updated:
Ethiopian Volcano: Due to the eruption of Ethiopia’s Hauli Gabbi volcano after 10,000 years, the ash cloud spread to a height of 45,000 feet and is moving towards the air borders of India. Indigo and Akasa Air have canceled and diverted the affected flights. DGCA has ordered all airlines to follow safety guidelines, make route adjustments and engine inspection mandatory. Ash is a serious threat to air traffic.
New Delhi. The Haiuli Gabbi volcano, located in the Afar Rift of Ethiopia, erupted on Sunday after 10,000 years, sending a huge cloud of ash into the sky up to a height of about 45,000 feet. This ash cloud is moving towards India’s air borders through strong jet stream. Due to this, a large number of flights to West Asia were canceled on Monday. Many flights were also diverted. Indigo and Akasa Air suspended many of their flights on the affected corridors while other airlines are on alert.
DGCA alert
Akasa Air said in a statement that flights to Jeddah, Kuwait and Abu Dhabi have been canceled and passengers have been given the option of refund or free re-booking within seven days. IndiGo also said that their teams are continuously monitoring the situation along with international aviation advisors and all necessary security measures are being taken. DGCA directed all Indian airlines to reschedule air routes and altitudes, adjust fuel requirements and completely avoid areas affected by volcanic ash.
flights getting canceled
Experts say that volcanic ash is a serious threat to air traffic. Ash can damage engines and airframes and reduce visibility. Indigo’s Kannur-Abu Dhabi flight was diverted to Ahmedabad due to ash cloud. DGCA has instructed flight crew and engineers to follow all safety procedures, and engine and aircraft inspection after flights has been made mandatory. The Airport Authority of India issued ASHTAM, which is a special warning for volcanic ash and gives precise information about its location, height and speed.
Steps to be taken due to impact of ash
The analysis shows how sensitive modern aviation systems are. Rerouting flights, adjusting fuel plans and ensuring the safety of passengers have become challenging tasks for all airlines due to the impact of ash. Along with this, this incident is a reminder of the environmental risks to global air traffic in the future. Airlines and regulatory agencies are required to have continuous monitoring, rapid response and risk management planning.
