India Flights Grounded: Volcanic Ash from Ethiopia Affects Air India and Akasa Operations

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A massive volcanic ash cloud from the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia has caused widespread disruptions in India's flight operations. The volcano, which erupted for the first time on record, sent ash plumes up to 14 km high into the air, affecting several airlines. Air India has cancelled at least 11 flights since Monday and is conducting precautionary checks on planes that flew through the affected areas. The carrier has also cancelled four more flights on Tuesday, including ones from Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. Akasa Air has also cancelled its scheduled flights to the Middle East, citing the ash cloud as a safety concern. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the ash clouds will move towards China by 7:30 pm on Tuesday, affecting several states in India, including Gujarat, Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has asked airlines to avoid flying through areas affected by the volcanic ash and adjust their flight plans accordingly. Other airlines, such as IndiGo and SpiceJet, have issued advisories, assuring passengers of their safety measures and monitoring the situation closely. The Hayli Gubbi volcano's eruption has caused a significant disruption in air travel, with many flights cancelled or delayed. Passengers are advised to check the status of their flights regularly and follow the instructions of their airlines for any further updates. The situation is being closely monitored, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.