Plume From Hayli Gubbi Moves Into Busy Cross-Border Airspace
Air India and Akasa Air scrapped more flights after Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano erupted, releasing ash that drifted into widely used air corridors linking the Gulf region and India. Aviation authorities distributed fresh alerts urging operators to track ash layers at cruising altitude, warning that particulate matter in the atmosphere can endanger aircraft engines and onboard systems.
Airlines Ground Jets for Inspection and Revise Service Plans
Air India confirmed that several of its aircraft were removed from active duty so maintenance teams could carry out in-depth evaluations for any potential ash exposure. Akasa Air paused certain Middle East routes as shifting winds pushed ash toward segments of regional flight paths. Both airlines encouraged passengers to monitor updated timetables, noting that additional schedule changes could follow if conditions continue to evolve.
Forecast Centers Trace Eastward Drift Toward South Asian Routes
Meteorological agencies and global ash monitoring groups tracked the plume as it climbed to higher atmospheric levels and extended from the Horn of Africa toward the Red Sea and the Arabian Peninsula. Projections indicated that parts of South Asia’s upper airspace might see intermittent influence depending on wind direction and plume density. Regulators said operational guidance would remain flexible to accommodate new data, emphasizing that safety remains the top priority for all carriers.
