Ash cloud drifts toward India as volcano erupts in Ethiopia, DGCA issues advisory

The volcanic ash from Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi has reportedly drifted towards western and northern India, affecting airspace over parts of West Asia. The reports have prompted the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to issue a safety advisory to all airlines.

Airlines, including Akasa Air, IndiGo and KLM, cancelled several flights on Monday due to ash plumes.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, also issued a Passenger Advisory advising passengers to connect with their respective airlines to check the status of their flights before leaving for the airport.

A volcanic eruption in Ethiopia has affected airspace over parts of West Asia, which may impact some international routes. Passengers are advised to connect with their respective airlines to check the status of their flights before leaving for the airport,’ posted CSMIA.

Meanwhile, IndiGo stated that they are “closely tracking the situation," and Air India confirmed there is “no major impact" on operations so far.

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The Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) stated that the eruption began around 8:30 am UTC on Sunday and has since stopped, although the ash plume continues to drift toward northern India.

The volcano erupted in Ethiopia's Afar region on Sunday for the first time in 12,000 years with ash clouds upto 14km into the sky.

According to reports citing the Toulouse VAAC, ash clouds from the eruption drifted over Yemen, Oman, India, and northern Pakistan, the report mentioned.