Ethiopian volcanic ash sends air traffic into spin

India’s aviation network was pushed into an unusual spell of disruption after a massive ash plume from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano drifted across West Asia and into northern India, triggering flight delays, cancellations and precautionary route changes across several states despite immediate intervention by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

The ministry on Tuesday said it had been in continuous coordination with the air traffic control (ATC), the India Meteorological Department (IMD), airlines, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and international aviation agencies after the volcanic eruption on November 23. The ministry said the AAI issued NOTAM — notice to airmen containing information essential to flight operations — and that operations had remained largely stable, with only a limited number of flights rerouted or made to descend as a safety measure. It noted that there had been “no cause for concern” at any point, even as the ash cloud shifted closer to Indian airspace. Across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Delhi-NCR and Punjab, however, the fallout was visible. Airlines operating long-haul flights as also on the Gulf route were hit the hardest, as aircraft that may have passed through contaminated zones were pulled aside for precautionary inspections.

Air India cancelled 11 flights on Monday and Tuesday after receiving instructions to carry out mandatory checks on aircraft that had flown over specific regions following the eruption. The airline informed passengers that its ground staff had been assisting with rebooking and accommodation, and reiterated that safety took precedence over schedules. It expressed regret for the inconvenience caused but said the situation was beyond its control.