As Delhi and other parts of northern India continue to battle deteriorating air quality, a new and unexpected threat may be on the horizon - volcanic ash drifting towards northern India from Ethiopia.
Ash clouds from the Hayli Gubbi volcano, which erupted on Sunday, are now moving eastwards and could reach northern India by Monday evening, The Times of India reported.
Meteorological predictions, meanwhile, suggest the plume may first reach western India, including Jamnagar, before gradually drifting toward Delhi and Jaipur.
Aviation authorities are on alert, and airlines have already begun rerouting flights to avoid the affected airspace.
IndiGo flight 6E 1433 from Kannur to Abu Dhabi was diverted to Ahmedabad earlier in the day to bypass the ash corridor, according to the report.
Another Indian carrier operating in Abu Dhabi temporarily grounded an aircraft for precautionary engine checks before clearing it to fly back to India.
A senior official from an Indian airline told The Times of India, “We know the areas impacted by ash plumes and are taking detours to avoid flying there,” indicating heightened operational scrutiny.
Airlines are adapting in real time as new advisories are issued. In a public statement, Akasa Air said, “We are closely monitoring the volcanic activity in Ethiopia and its potential impact on flight operations in nearby regions. Our teams will continue to assess the situation in compliance with international aviation advisories and safety protocols and take necessary actions as required. At Akasa Air, passenger safety and well-being is our utmost priority.”
Tracking models suggest the plume, which has already drifted past Oman, is continuing eastward over the Arabian Sea and land routes. Industry sources are cautiously hopeful that the ash density may weaken along the way. “We are closely watching the situation. The ashes are learnt to be now moving beyond Oman. We hope the intensity reduces as it crosses the land and ocean while heading towards Delhi and Jaipur,” they said.
The Hayli Gubbi eruption reportedly released a substantial sulfur dioxide plume along with fine volcanic ash, prompting aviation alerts across regions in its path. Countries such as Yemen and Oman have already witnessed early atmospheric impact.
Volcanic ash poses significant aviation risks, including reduced visibility, corrosive damage to aircraft surfaces, and the potential for engine failure, making avoidance rather than mitigation the standard safety approach.
With northern India already experiencing hazardous AQI levels, there is a possibility that volcanic smoke mixing with local pollution could worsen conditions if the plume retains density upon arrival.
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