DGCA issues alert as Ethiopia ash cloud drifts toward India

New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday issued an advisory to airlines and airports to prepare for possible disruptions caused by ash from volcanic activity in Ethiopia.

Ash clouds from the HayliGubbi volcano have begun affecting flight operations, and forecasts indicate the plume may drift toward western India. Akasa Air, IndiGo and KLM cancelled multiple flights on Monday as a precaution.

In its advisory, the DGCA directed airlines to avoid designated volcanic-ash–affected zones and flight levels, and to revise routes, fuel planning and operations based on updated advisories. Carriers must also report any suspected ash encounters, including engine irregularities or smoke or odour inside the cabin.

The regulator said airports must immediately inspect runways, taxiways and aprons if ash contamination is detected. Operations may be restricted until cleaning is completed.

Airlines and airport operators have also been asked to continuously track the ash cloud using satellite imagery and meteorological data.

Akasa Air said it cancelled its Jeddah, Kuwait and Abu Dhabi flights scheduled for November 24 and 25, citing the volcanic plume. It added that teams are monitoring the situation in line with global safety protocols.

IndiGo, in a post on X, said ash from the HayliGubbi eruption is drifting toward parts of western India and assured passengers that safety measures are in place as it coordinates with international aviation agencies.

Sources said IndiGo cancelled several Middle East flights, while Dutch carrier KLM scrapped its Amsterdam–Delhi service due to the ash cloud.