New Delhi: A massive volcanic eruption in Ethiopia has sent ash-laden clouds drifting towards North India, causing significant disruptions in air traffic. The eruption of the Hailie Gubbi volcano in the Afar region of Ethiopia has triggered a chain of events, with ash clouds reducing visibility in the skies and affecting air operations across several states.
The volcanic ash is expected to impact air travel in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Delhi-NCR, and Punjab. Meteorological authorities have issued warnings indicating that the ash clouds could spread further, reaching Bhutan and even the Himalayas.
The weather department has cautioned that the ongoing air pollution could exacerbate the already deteriorating air quality in Delhi and NCR, which is facing high pollution levels.
The eruption has disrupted several flights from India to the Middle East. Airlines have started canceling flights to countries such as Yemen, Oman, and others in the region, as the ash clouds make the skies unsafe for aviation. Some Indian flights have also been diverted, and air routes in and out of several Indian airports are being altered to avoid the affected areas.
The Hailie Gubbi volcano erupted with such intensity that it caused tremors in nearby towns. The volcanic eruption has not only devastated the local landscape but also left several villages buried under volcanic ash. According to reports, the ash cloud will traverse the Red Sea, pass over Yemen and Oman, and then head towards the Arabian Sea, reaching countries like Karachi in Pakistan and Gujarat in India.
The ash cloud is projected to continue its journey towards Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, eventually reaching Bhutan and the Himalayas. This is causing considerable concern among air traffic authorities, with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issuing advisory alerts.
In response to the situation, Air India issued a statement on Monday, confirming that it was closely monitoring the developments. The airline assured passengers that while there had been no immediate major impact on flight operations, precautionary measures were being taken.
“After the volcanic eruption in Ethiopia, we have observed ash clouds in certain geographical regions. We are in constant communication with our operational teams and are closely monitoring the situation. The safety of our passengers, crew, and aircraft remains our top priority,” the statement read.
As the ash clouds continue to spread, aviation authorities are expected to assess the situation further, and additional flight cancellations or diversions may occur. Travelers have been urged to check with airlines for updates regarding their flights.
The Hailie Gubbi eruption marks the first major volcanic event in over 12,000 years in this region, and its consequences are being felt far beyond Ethiopia. As the ash continues to spread, it is expected to have a long-lasting impact on aviation and air quality in parts of South Asia.
Also Read: Lokayukta launches simultaneous raids across Karnataka; suspicious assets under scanner
