Several airlines have temporarily cancelled flights from India to Middle Eastern destinations after aviation authorities reported unsafe flying conditions caused by volcanic ash and restricted regional airspace. Multiple Indian carriers have suspended operations on select Gulf routes as a precautionary measure.
Reason for Flight Cancellations
The disruption comes after a volcanic eruption in Ethiopia sent ash clouds soaring up to 14 km into the atmosphere, drifting across major flight paths used by airlines operating between India and the Middle East. Volcanic ash poses a severe threat to aircraft engines and navigation systems, making flying through affected air corridors dangerous.
Apart from the environmental hazard, intermittent airspace restrictions related to geopolitical tensions in parts of the Middle East have also caused rerouting and temporary grounding of flights since earlier this year.
Impact on Airlines and Passengers
- Indian carriers have cancelled multiple Gulf bound flights, including services to Jeddah, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi and other destinations.
- Airlines have informed passengers that affected bookings can be rescheduled at no additional charges or fully refunded.
- The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued advisories instructing airlines to avoid ash affected regions.
- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) continues to monitor the movement of ash clouds which are expected to gradually disperse.
What Passengers Should Do
Passengers planning to travel to the Middle East are advised to:
- Check the flight status directly with airlines before heading to the airport.
- Opt for available rebooking or refund options offered by airlines.
- Stay updated through announcements from Airlines, Airports and Authorities as the situation may change based on weather and airspace safety.
Global Travel Context
The flight disruptions highlight a rare combination of environmental and geopolitical challenges affecting international travel routes. Air corridors between India and the Middle East are among the busiest and even short term suspensions affect thousands of Passengers, Migrant workers, Tourists and Business travelers.
Current Status
Authorities have stated that normal operations will resume once flying conditions are deemed safe. Some airlines are expected to slowly restore services once meteorological assessments confirm a decline in ash concentration.
