Ash Cloud Spreads Into Key Air Lanes
Air India and Akasa Air called off a series of international flights after the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia erupted, releasing an ash plume that drifted into heavily used corridors between the Middle East and India. Aviation officials said the cancellations followed advisories urging carriers to track ash projections closely, as airborne particles can pose serious hazards to aircraft systems.
Airlines Adjust Schedules and Conduct Precautionary Checks
Air India confirmed that several aircraft were removed from active service for in-depth inspections to ensure they had not encountered volcanic debris. Akasa Air halted operations on selected Gulf routes, citing the need to steer clear of regions where ash was being detected at cruising altitudes. Both airlines asked travelers to monitor updates, warning that additional schedule shifts were possible depending on how conditions evolve.
Forecasters Monitor Plume’s Movement Toward South Asia
Meteorological agencies reported the ash cloud rising to substantial heights before drifting across the Red Sea and toward the Arabian Peninsula, with parts of South Asia placed under watch for potential impacts. Specialists at Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers continued issuing trajectory updates, noting that wind changes could alter the plume’s course. Regulators said flight operations would be adjusted dynamically, reaffirming that safety considerations outweigh service continuity.
