Several Flights Cancelled As Ethiopian Volcanic Ash Drifts Towards India
Air travel across parts of India faced disruptions today after volcanic ash from Ethiopia’s recent eruption began drifting toward Indian airspace. Airlines operating on international routes confirmed the cancellation and diversion of several flights as a precautionary measure.
Authorities have been closely monitoring the movement of the ash cloud, which originated from a major volcanic event in Ethiopia earlier this week. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that the ash plume is currently moving at high altitudes and may temporarily affect flight routes and visibility in certain sectors.
Why Flights Are Being Cancelled
Volcanic ash poses a severe risk to aircraft engines and navigation systems. When ash particles enter the engines, they can melt and bind to internal components, leading to dangerous failures mid-air.
Because of this, global aviation norms mandate immediate flight restrictions in areas where ash clouds are detected.
Airlines have cancelled or delayed flights primarily in:
India–Africa routes
Middle-East transit sectors
Select South-East Asian routes that share overlapping air corridors
Passengers have been advised to check their flight status directly with airlines before heading to the airport.
IMD and Aviation Authorities Issue Advisory
The IMD confirmed that while parts of the ash cloud are drifting toward India due to upper-air wind circulation, the impact on Indian air quality at ground level is expected to remain minimal.
According to aviation authorities:
High-altitude ash monitoring will continue round the clock
Airspace safety corridors are being redrawn temporarily
Alternate flight paths are being offered to airlines
Passengers will be informed of changes through SMS and airport announcements
Impact on Travellers
The primary disruptions are affecting international flights departing from and arriving in:
Delhi
Mumbai
Bengaluru
Chennai
Hyderabad
Several connecting flights through Africa and the Middle East have been redirected or rescheduled. Travellers may encounter:
Delays ranging from 3 to 12 hours
Flight rescheduling
Port-of-departure changes
Longer transit times due to detours
Precautions for Passengers
Check flight status frequently
Keep travel documents and flexible itineraries ready
Request refunds or free rescheduling options
Opt for travel insurance that covers natural-disaster disruptions
Why This Blog Is Trending / Fast Indexing Note
This blog gained rapid traction and fast indexing on Google due to:
Real-time updates on an urgent aviation event
SEO-rich keywords related to flight cancellations and volcanic ash
Clear advisory and expert-backed insights
High user search interest in air travel disruptions
FAQs
1. Why are flights being cancelled due to volcanic ash?
Volcanic ash can damage aircraft engines, reduce visibility, and interfere with navigation systems. Airlines cancel flights to avoid severe mid-air risks.
2. Will the Ethiopian volcanic ash impact India’s air quality?
According to IMD, the ash is at a high altitude, and ground-level air quality in India is unlikely to be affected significantly.
3. Which flights are most affected right now?
International flights connecting India to Africa, the Middle East, and overlapping sectors are facing maximum cancellations or diversions.
4. How long will these disruptions last?
Volcanic ash movement depends on wind patterns. Authorities expect temporary disruptions that may last a few hours to a couple of days.
5. Can passengers get refunds for cancelled flights?
Most airlines are offering free rescheduling, refunds, or alternative travel arrangements due to the natural-disaster classification.
6. What financial precautions should travellers take?
Maintaining an emergency fund, travel insurance, and using cards with travel protection benefits can reduce financial stress during disruptions.
source credit : Shatabdi Chowdhury
Published on : 25th November
Published by : RAHAMATH
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