Ethiopian volcano erupts after 12,000 years, cancelling 11 Air India flights

Ethiopia's Haile Gubbi volcano erupted suddenly on Sunday after 12,000 years. The ash and sulfur dioxide from the eruption reached a height of about 15 km, spreading across the Red Sea and reaching Yemen and Oman.

At around 11 pm on Monday night, the ash spread 4,300 km from Ethiopia to Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Delhi-NCR, and Punjab in India.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that the ash cloud would clear from India by 7:30 pm on Tuesday and move towards China.

Air India canceled 11 flights due to this cloud. Experts stated that the height of the cloud was so high that its impact on public life was minimal.

No one has been killed in the incident so far.

The eruption occurred at the Haile Gubbi volcano in the Afar region. It was such an old and dormant volcano that no records of it existed until now. No one was killed in this incident, but the governments of Yemen and Oman have urged people to exercise caution, especially those with respiratory problems.

Airplanes were also being affected by the ash in the sky. Flights in areas like Delhi and Jaipur were being monitored due to the ash. Ash particles can damage engines, so precautions were being taken under international aviation protocols.

DGCA Issued Guidelines

India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued detailed guidelines for airlines. Although the ash was at a high altitude, there was no significant risk to takeoff and landing.

The DGCA stated that if any aircraft is suspected of having been exposed to ash, such as engine performance problems, smoke in the cabin, or a foul odor, the airline must immediately report the incident. If ash impacts airport operations, the airport concerned must immediately inspect the runway, taxiway, and apron.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has warned all airlines and airports to exercise caution. Akasa Air, IndiGo, and KLM have canceled several flights due to volcanic ash.

The DGCA has stated that:

Airlines should avoid flying over ash-covered areas.

Change flight routes and planning.

If any aircraft encounter ash, report it immediately.