Volcanic Ash from Ethiopian Eruption Forces Widespread Flight Cancellations in India

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A massive cloud of ash from Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi volcano, which erupted for the first time in nearly 12,000 years, swept across northwestern India on Monday night, causing significant disruptions to air traffic. The plume, travelling at speeds of 100-120 km/hour at altitudes above 10 km, darkened skies over several major cities, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Delhi-NCR, and Punjab. As a result, airlines were forced to divert or cancel flights through the evening. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that the surface-level pollution impact would be minimal due to the high altitude of the plume. However, aviation authorities warned of potentially severe disruptions if ash descended over major airports on Tuesday. Several flights were cancelled or diverted, including at least six flights by IndiGo and services by Akasa Air to Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued an urgent ASHTAM alert, directing airlines to avoid affected altitudes and follow volcanic-ash procedures. International airlines began rerouting flights via Pakistani airspace, but Indian carriers were unable to use those routes, leading to increased cancellations and delays. The IMD also ruled out significant surface-level air quality impacts, but experts warned of a possible temporary spike in pollution levels in the National Capital Region (NCR). The NCR's air quality was already nearing severe levels, with Delhi's AQI standing at 382 and Ghaziabad and Noida close to severe levels. The volcanic plume contains ash, sulphur dioxide, and small particles of rock and glass, which can darken skies and pose hazards to aircraft engines. Airports were placed on watch, with the DGCA asking them to prepare for immediate inspections of runways, taxiways, and aprons if ashfall occurs. Operations would be suspended if contamination is detected. The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia's Afar region erupted on Sunday, sending ash up to 14 km high. According to the Toulouse VAAC, the eruption has stopped, but the massive plume is still drifting towards India.