Volcano erupts after 10,000 years, flames in the sky, flights from Delhi to Kannur canceled, DGCA also on alert

The Hawali Gabi volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar Rift erupted on Sunday after a 10,000-year hiatus, spewing a huge plume of ash as high as 45,000 feet. This ash cloud is moving towards India’s airspace through a strong jet stream. The impact caused several flights to West Asia to be canceled and diverted on Monday. IndiGo and Acasa Air have suspended several flights on the affected corridors, while other airlines are on alert.

DGCA warned
Aqasa Air said in a statement that flights to Jeddah, Kuwait and Abu Dhabi have been cancelled, and passengers have been given the option of a refund or free rebooking within seven days. IndiGo also said that its teams are continuously monitoring the situation in coordination with international aviation consultants and all necessary safety measures are being taken. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed all Indian airlines to alter and adjust their flight routes and altitudes, adjust their fuel requirements and avoid areas affected by volcanic ash altogether.

One flight after another is getting cancelled
Experts say that volcanic ash poses a serious threat to air traffic. Ash can damage engines and airframes and reduce visibility. IndiGo’s Kannur-Abu Dhabi flight was diverted to Ahmedabad due to the ash cloud. The DGCA has directed flight crews and engineers to follow all safety procedures and has made post-flight checks of engines and aircraft mandatory. The Airports Authority of India has issued Ashtam, a special alert for volcanic ash that provides precise information about its location, height and speed.

Actions to be taken due to the effect of ash
The analysis shows how sensitive the modern aviation system is. The ash impact has posed a challenging task for all airlines, forcing them to readjust flights, adjust fuel plans and ensure passenger safety. The incident is a stark reminder of the environmental risks facing global air transport in the future. Airlines and regulatory agencies need to develop continuous monitoring, rapid response, and risk management plans.