Volcanic ash from Ethiopia reaches Delhi-NCR; DGCA issues advisory, several flights cancelled

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The volcanic eruption of Hala Gubbi in Ethiopia has begun to affect international flight operations. The ash released after the eruption has drifted across several parts of the Middle East, disrupting routes that pass through the Muscat Flight Information Region. Due to this, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has cancelled its Delhi–Amsterdam flight. According to the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre, the ash cloud has now moved towards North India and reached Delhi-NCR. Following this development, the DGCA has issued an advisory to airlines and airports.

The thick ash clouds are likely to further deteriorate air quality in Delhi-NCR. Akasa Air has cancelled flights to Jeddah, Kuwait and Abu Dhabi scheduled for 24 and 25 November, while IndiGo has also cancelled a few flights. DGCA has instructed airlines to review guidelines related to volcanic ash, make necessary changes in flight planning and routing, and ensure that crew members are updated. Airports have been advised to inspect runways and taxiways if ash is detected and stop operations until the area is fully cleared.

Airlines have urged passengers to regularly check the status of their flights, while assuring that the situation is being closely monitored.