Indian Aviation Regulator Issues Urgent Volcanic Ash Advisory
India's aviation authority has taken proactive measures to address potential flight disruptions caused by volcanic ash drifting from Ethiopia. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a comprehensive advisory on Monday to all airlines and airports, warning about possible operational challenges due to the ash plume from the recently erupted HayliGubbi volcano.
Flight Cancellations and Airline Responses
Several major airlines have already been forced to cancel flights due to the volcanic ash situation. Akasa Air, IndiGo, and Dutch carrier KLM were among those that cancelled specific routes on Monday. The ash clouds have particularly affected operations between India and Middle Eastern destinations.
Akasa Air released an official statement confirming: "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 assured passengers that their teams would continue monitoring the situation in compliance with international aviation advisories and safety protocols.
IndiGo addressed passenger concerns through a social media post, stating: "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."
Detailed Safety Protocols and Operational Guidelines
The DGCA advisory contains specific instructions for airlines to ensure passenger safety and operational integrity. Airlines have been directed to strictly avoid published volcanic ash-affected areas and flight levels and adjust their flight planning, routing, and fuel considerations based on the latest meteorological updates.
In case of airport operations being affected by volcanic ash, the regulator has mandated immediate inspection of runways, taxiways, and aprons. Depending on the level of contamination, operations may be restricted, and thorough cleaning procedures must be completed before resuming normal movements.
The advisory also requires airlines to immediately report any suspected ash encounters, including engine performance anomalies or unusual cabin conditions such as smoke or strange odours. All operators have been instructed to continuously monitor the evolving situation through satellite imagery and meteorological data sources.
Industry sources confirmed that IndiGo cancelled multiple flights to Middle Eastern destinations, while KLM cancelled its Amsterdam to Delhi service due to the volcanic ash concerns. The aviation community remains on high alert as the situation develops, with passenger safety being the paramount consideration for all stakeholders.
