Volcano erupts in Ethiopia, plume of ash billows towards India; several flights cancelled

News Topical, Digital Desk : A volcano has erupted in Ethiopia after nearly 10,000 years. A plume of ash is visible in the sky after the eruption. Scientists have described this event as one of the most extraordinary in history.

Several airlines have cancelled flights after an Ethiopian volcano spewed ash into the northern Arabian Sea. Airlines have been ordered to review operational manuals, adjust flight planning and routes due to the ash plume from volcanic activity. 

Many flights were cancelled

According to reports, several flights have been canceled to deal with potential disruptions caused by ash plumes from volcanic activity in Ethiopia. An advisory has also been issued to Indian airlines and airports. The ash plume is reportedly moving eastward and is expected to reach key areas of India by late Monday night.

According to initial reports, Akasa Air, IndiGo, and KLM are among the airlines that have canceled some flights due to volcanic ash. The volcanic ash plume, caused by the volcano's first eruption in thousands of years, moved across the Red Sea toward Yemen and Oman. The cloud has now spread over the northern Arabian Sea. 

DGCM issues advisory for airlines

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed airlines to completely avoid ash-affected areas, taking into account all important aspects related to flight planning, route and fuel, according to the official order.

Airlines have also been asked to immediately report any suspicious ash detection, including engine performance issues or smoke or odor in the cabin.

DGCA said that if volcanic ash affects airport operations, the concerned operator should immediately inspect the runway and taxiway.

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