Post by : Raina
Al-Fahim
On Tuesday, leading Indian airlines Air India and Akasa Air declared the cancellation of numerous flights due to disturbances caused by ash plumes from a volcanic eruption in Ethiopia. The Hayli Gubbi volcano erupted on Sunday, sending ash clouds soaring up to 14 kilometers, complicating air travel in various regions.
Air India confirmed the cancellation of 11 flights over Monday and Tuesday as a safety precaution. These flight halts stemmed from orders issued by India's aviation regulator, which mandated safety assessments for aircraft that traversed areas impacted by the ash. The airline reiterated that passenger safety remains its utmost priority during these unique circumstances.
Akasa Air, a relatively new player in India's aviation market, also canceled flights to key Middle Eastern destinations, including Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi. These measures were taken over a two-day timeframe to mitigate risks related to the ash cloud.
The ash plume traveled from Ethiopia, sweeping across parts of Yemen and Oman, and reached northern India and Pakistan by Tuesday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reassured that the ash cloud is expected to clear from Indian airspace by 1400 GMT on Tuesday.
This volcanic activity marks a significant moment as it represents the first verified eruption of Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano. The exceptionally high ash clouds have led to considerable disturbances not just for air travel, but have also raised concerns regarding aviation safety across several nations.
Both airlines are vigilantly monitoring the developments and coordinating with aviation authorities to uphold passenger safety. Operations are anticipated to return to normal once the ash cloud disappears completely.
Travelers booked with these airlines are encouraged to stay updated on the latest information and prepare for possible delays or rescheduling until the situation improves.
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