Air India announced the cancellation of 11 flights on Monday and Tuesday to allow for precautionary checks on aircraft that had flown over affected areas. The airline’s move followed a directive from India’s aviation regulator to ensure safety in response to the volcanic activity.
Smaller carrier Akasa Air also suspended flights to several Middle Eastern destinations, including Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi, over the same two-day period.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the ash cloud is moving toward China and was expected to clear Indian airspace by 1400 GMT on Tuesday. However, by Tuesday, the ash had already drifted across Yemen and Oman, covering parts of Pakistan and northern India, according to tracking website Flightradar24.
The eruption sent plumes of ash as high as 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) into the atmosphere, prompting widespread monitoring of air routes over the region. Aviation authorities globally often issue such directives to minimize the risk of engine damage and ensure passenger safety when volcanic ash enters flight paths.
The incident highlights the far-reaching impact volcanic activity can have on air travel, with disruptions affecting not only the immediate region but international routes spanning multiple countries.