The Union Civil Aviation Ministry, in coordination with air traffic control and the India Meteorological Department (IMD), is closely monitoring the situation regarding ash plumes from the volcanic eruption in Ethiopia, which is affecting flight operations, reported the PTI.
Some flights have been cancelled, and numerous others delayed due to the ash plumes.
The ministry stated that there is no cause for concern at present and that the situation is under careful observation.
“Following the November 23 volcanic eruption in Ethiopia and the eastward movement of the ash cloud, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), together with ATC, IMD, airlines and international aviation agencies, is ensuring seamless coordination.
“The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has issued the necessary NOTAMs and all affected flights have been kept informed. Operations across India remain smooth, with only a few flights rerouted or descended as a precaution,” the ministry said in a post on X.
Following the 23 Nov volcanic eruption in Ethiopia and the eastward movement of the ash cloud, MoCA—along with ATC, IMD, airlines and international aviation agencies—is ensuring seamless coordination.
AAI has issued the necessary NOTAM and all affected flights have been kept…— MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) November 25, 2025
Earlier in the day, Air India announced the cancellation of 13 flights, including some international services, since Monday, due to the impact of volcanic ash plumes, as some of its aircraft that flew through the affected regions are undergoing safety checks, according to the PTI.
On Tuesday morning, the IMD stated that the ash clouds are drifting towards China and are expected to move away from Indian airspace by 7:30 pm on Tuesday.
Forecast models indicated that the ash may influence regions including Gujarat, Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana on Tuesday, the India Meteorological Department added.
Delhi airport experienced flight cancellations and delays on Tuesday as ash plumes from the volcanic eruption in Ethiopia affected airline operations.
At least seven international flights were cancelled and more than ten overseas flights delayed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport due to the volcanic ash plumes, as per the PTI.
Since Monday, Air India has cancelled 13 flights in response to the situation.
Ash clouds from the recent eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia are impacting flight operations, with reports suggesting that the clouds are drifting towards the western parts of India.
An official stated that seven international flights, including arrivals and departures, were cancelled, and 12 international flights delayed at Delhi airport because of the volcanic ash plumes, the news agency reported.
The Indira Gandhi International Airport in the national capital is the country’s largest airport, handling over 1,500 flight movements daily.
There was no immediate update on Tuesday regarding the situation from other Indian carriers.
On Monday, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) instructed airlines to strictly avoid published volcanic ash-affected areas and flight levels, and to adjust flight planning, routing, and fuel considerations in accordance with the latest advisories, as per the PTI.