Ash from Ethiopian volcano reaches Delhi, flights cancelled

New Delhi. Ash from an Ethiopian volcano, 25,000-45,000 feet high, has reached Delhi, Rajasthan, and North India. Many international flights have been cancelled or diverted. Toxic smog has settled near Anand Vihar, AIIMS, and Safdarjung in Delhi, and the AQI has exceeded 400. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has advised airlines to avoid ash-covered areas.

A massive cloud of ash, generated by the eruption of Ethiopia’s Haile Gubbin volcano, has reached India at an altitude of 25,000-45,000 feet, affecting large parts of Delhi, Rajasthan, and North India.

The AQI has exceeded 400 in many areas of the capital, and toxic smog has enveloped Delhi. Visibility has been reduced around Anand Vihar, AIIMS, and Safdarjung. Due to the volcanic ash, Akasa Air, IndiGo, and several international flights have been diverted and some flights have been cancelled.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a warning to airlines, asking them to avoid ash-bearing areas and high altitudes, alter routes, and inspect engines. Scientists say surface air quality will not be significantly affected, but high-altitude flights will remain at risk.

Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano erupts for the first time in 10,000 years
Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano has erupted for the first time in nearly 10,000 years. A massive plume of ash rose 10 to 15 kilometers into the sky during the eruption. Scientists say this is a rare natural phenomenon and could impact the weather and air quality of surrounding areas.

Where will the eruption impact India?
The ash cloud from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano will enter India from Gujarat and then move towards Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and several areas of North India.

The Meteorological Department has warned that this could cause the sky to appear hazier than usual. The ash contains harmful elements. This cloud contains volcanic ash, sulfur dioxide, and small particles of glass and rocks. The ash cloud is moving rapidly towards North India, blowing at speeds of 100–120 km per hour.

IndiGo Issues Statement
IndiGo has issued a statement regarding reports of an ash cloud moving towards western India following the Hayli Gubbi volcano eruption in Ethiopia. The airline stated that passenger safety is its top priority. Its teams are continuously monitoring the situation in collaboration with international aviation agencies. IndiGo stated that all precautionary measures are fully prepared to ensure safe and smooth flight operations.

Air India Advises Passengers to Remain Vigilant
Air India has issued a travel advisory in view of the ash cloud formed following the volcanic eruption in Ethiopia. The airline stated that it is continuously monitoring the situation and maintaining regular contact with operating crews. There is currently no major impact on flights. Citing the safety of passengers, crew, and aircraft as its top priority, Air India said it would take all necessary precautionary measures. Ground teams are constantly updating passengers.

Several airlines cancel flights due to volcanic ash impact
Several airlines were forced to cancel flights on Monday due to ash spread after the Ethiopian volcanic eruption. As the impact spread, major carriers like Akasa Air, IndiGo, and KLM took this step to ensure safe operations.