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India's Aviation Crisis: How Ethiopia's Volcano Ash Cloud Disrupted Flights

The Aviation Ministry is coordinating closely with multiple agencies to manage flight operations affected by Ethiopia's volcanic ash cloud. Seven international flights were cancelled and twelve others delayed as airlines adjusted schedules for safety. The ash cloud entered India through Gujarat and spread across several northern states including Rajasthan and Delhi. Weather officials expect the ash to clear Indian airspace by Tuesday evening as the plume shifts toward China.

Key Points: Aviation Ministry Monitors Ethiopia Volcano Ash Cloud Flight Impact

  • Seven international flights cancelled between 1 am and 6 pm Tuesday due to ash conditions
  • Twelve other international flights delayed as airlines modified operations
  • Ash cloud entered India through Gujarat before spreading to multiple northern states
  • IMD predicts volcanic ash will clear Indian skies by 7:30 pm Tuesday
2 min read

Aviation ministry says it is ensuring seamless coordination amid Ethiopia volcanic ash cloud scare

Aviation Ministry ensures coordination as Ethiopia volcanic ash cloud affects flights. Seven international flights cancelled, twelve delayed. IMD predicts clearance by Tuesday evening.

"We continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide timely updates to ensure passenger safety - Ministry of Civil Aviation"

New Delhi, November 25

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) on Tuesday said that except for a few flights, operations remain smooth amid the Ethiopia volcano's ash cloud scare situation.

The Aviation Ministry said that the affected flights have been descended or rescheduled as a precaution.

"Following the 23 Nov volcanic eruption in Ethiopia and the eastward movement of the ash cloud, MoCA--along with ATC, IMD, airlines and international aviation agencies--is ensuring seamless coordination. AAI has issued the necessary NOTAM and all affected flights have been kept informed. Operations across India remain smooth, with only a few flights rerouted or descended as a precaution. There is no cause for concern at this moment. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide timely updates to ensure passenger safety," the statement said.

Meanwhile, seven international flights scheduled to operate between 1 am and 6 pm on Tuesday were cancelled after volcanic ash affected airspace conditions, as per sources.

Twelve other international flights during the same timeframe were also delayed as airlines modified operations in response to the ash-related disruption.

Both incoming and outgoing services were impacted, with carriers adjusting movements based on prevailing safety assessments.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), ash clouds from the volcanic eruption in Ethiopia are likely to clear India's skies by 7:30 pm on Tuesday, marking the expected end of the disturbances reported across parts of the country.

The plume, which moved across northwest India on Monday and briefly disrupted flights, has since begun shifting towards China.

The ash mass had initially entered Gujarat on Monday before spreading overnight across regions including Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Delhi-NCR, Haryana and Punjab.

The eruption originated from Hayli Gubbi, a shield volcano in Ethiopia's Afar region, which produced its first major activity in nearly 10,000 years and sent ash rising as high as 14 km.

The Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) reported that the explosive phase began around 8:30 am GMT, generating "a large ash plume moving toward northern India" even after the eruption eased.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Volcanic ash from Ethiopia affecting Indian flights? Nature doesn't care about borders indeed. Glad IMD is predicting it will clear by evening. Hope all affected passengers get proper accommodation and rescheduling.
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Sarah B
While I appreciate the safety measures, the communication could have been better. My flight from Delhi to London was cancelled with only 4 hours notice. Airlines should have contingency plans ready for such situations.
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Arjun K
First time in 10,000 years this volcano erupts and it affects Indian airspace! What are the odds? 😅 Good coordination between MoCA, IMD and international agencies shows our aviation infrastructure is maturing well.
K
Karthik V
The fact that ash traveled all the way from Ethiopia to Gujarat shows how interconnected our world is. Important reminder that we need robust international cooperation for aviation safety. Well handled by Indian authorities.
M
Meera T
My husband's flight from Mumbai to Dubai was among those affected. While the delay was inconvenient, I'm grateful they prioritized safety over punctuality. Volcanic ash can damage aircraft engines - better to be cautious.

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