Several flights cancelled as Ethiopian volcanic ash drifts towards India, here are the key developments

DGCA asked airports to inspect runways, taxiways and aprons and restrict operations.

After Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano erupted for the first time in nearly 10,000 years, it has triggered aviation warnings across India. Multiple carriers, including IndiGo and Akasa Air, have also modified their schedules.

Airports have also been asked to remain vigilant as the plume moves across northern India. The ash cloud, travelling at high altitudes and significant speed, entered Gujarat and moved eastward through Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab.

Here are the 10 key updates.

•A report by ANI stated that IndiaMetSky Weather said the ash cloud is about to enter Gujarat (West side) and move towards Rajasthan, northwest Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab by 10 pm, and later it will impact the Himalayas and other regions.

•Several flights to Hong Kong, Dubai, Jeddah, Helsinki, Kabul, Frankfurt were delayed at Delhi airport.

•The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) instructed airlines to avoid ash-affected airspace, revise flight planning and report any suspected ash encounter, including engine anomalies or cabin smoke/odour.

•DGCA asked airports to inspect runways, taxiways and aprons and restrict operations.

•The DGCA has asked airlines to conduct post-flight engine and airframe inspections for aircraft operating near the affected areas, and suspend or delay operations to impacted airports if conditions worsen.

•According to the India Meteorological Department, the ash was circulating above 10 km, limiting its impact on Delhi’s air at ground level. The IMD added that any effect on Indian cities would likely last only a few hours as the plume continues its rapid eastward progression.

•IndiGo tweeted, "Following the recent eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia, ash clouds are reported to be drifting towards parts of western India... Our teams are closely tracking the situation in coordination with international aviation bodies. We are fully prepared with all necessary precautions to ensure safe and reliable operations... We will continue to monitor the developments round the clock and keep you informed of any updates to help minimise inconvenience (if any)..."

• Air India and Akasa Air said on Tuesday they were cancelling some flights. Air India said it had cancelled 11 flights on Monday and Tuesday to make precautionary checks on aircraft that had flown over some locations after the eruption, following a directive to airlines from India's aviation regulator.  Akasa said it had scrapped scheduled flights with Middle East destinations such as Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi scheduled during the two days.

•IMD Director General M Mohapatra told Hindustan Times that the plume is unlikely to significantly affect air quality because it is travelling at very high altitudes.

•The explosive eruption began around 8.30 am UTC on Sunday, according to the VAAC.

• After volcanic ash activity was reported over parts of the Arabian Peninsula,  airlines issued cautionary notices for passengers flying through the Middle East.