As per reports, a volcanic eruption at Hayli Gubbi Volcano in Ethiopia has produced ash plumes reaching altitudes of 10,000-15,000 m and up to 45,000 ft, which are expected to drift into north-western India including the Delhi-NCR region, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Punjab. India is preparing for potential disruption to air travel with volcanic ash from Sunday (23 November) eruption of Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano forecasted to drift towards mainland India.

Several commercial flights have already been cancelled or rerouted, including six flights by IndiGo, as aircraft operators pre-emptively avoid ash-contaminated airspace.

• The DGCA has issued advisories urging airlines to strictly steer clear of affected altitudes and regions to ensure flight safety as volcanic ash can harm aircraft engines due to its abrasive, glass-like particles that melt at high temperatures.
• When ash is ingested, it can melt on hot engine components, harden into a glass-like substance, and stick to turbine blades.
• Airlines have also been advised to report any suspected impact of ash on engine performance or cabin smoke or odour.
• Airports too have been told to inspect runways for contamination and suspended or restrict flight operations, if need be.
• After traveling over Yemen and Oman, ash clouds entered the Indian subcontinent from Western Rajasthan on Monday (24 November) evening and were moving north east wards.
• During the course of the night, they are expected to sweep across central parts of the country and cross Delhi close to midnight, and travel over parts of Uttar Pradesh, parts of Bihar and in the North East over Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.