New Delhi— Indian carriers IndiGo, Air India and Akasa Air have assured passengers that flight safety remains unaffected despite ash clouds drifting toward parts of India after the unexpected eruption of Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano.
IndiGo said in a statement on X that it is “closely tracking the movement of volcanic ash in coordination with international aviation bodies” and emphasised that passenger safety continues to be its highest priority. The airline added that it has activated all precautionary measures and that its teams are available round the clock to assist travellers and provide any required updates.
Air India also issued an advisory noting that ash from the eruption has been detected over some regions but stressed that its operations remain stable. The airline said it is in continuous touch with its operating crew and will implement precautionary plans whenever necessary to ensure the safety of passengers, crew and aircraft.
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport released a passenger advisory warning that airspace over parts of West Asia has been affected and that some international routes may experience disruptions. Travellers have been urged to check their flight status with respective airlines before heading to the airport.
Akasa Air confirmed it is monitoring the situation in line with global aviation advisories and will take action if required. The airline reiterated that passenger well-being remains its foremost concern.
According to the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC), the eruption began on Sunday morning UTC, marking the first recorded activity from the nearly 10,000-year dormant Hayli Gubbi volcano. Although the eruption has ceased, the VAAC reported that a significant ash plume is travelling toward northern India, prompting meteorological agencies to track its path closely.
The ash cloud initially moved across the Red Sea toward Oman and Yemen before drifting east, as reported by Al Arabiya. Following the eruption, volcanic ash has been observed over parts of the Arabian Peninsula, leading airlines to issue cautionary notices for flights passing through the Middle East, though no India-bound disruptions have yet been reported.
