Volcanic Eruption Disrupts UAE-India Air Traffic

Air Traffic Disruptions Between UAE and India: Consequences of Ethiopian Volcanic Eruption

A recent volcanic eruption in Ethiopia is yet another example of how natural forces can significantly impact modern air travel. The first eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia in nearly 10,000 years has not only captured the scientific community's attention but also seriously affected the safety of commercial flights. Following the eruption, the volcanic ash quickly spread into higher layers of the atmosphere, crossing the Red Sea, reaching Oman, Yemen, and then extending to other areas of the Arabian Peninsula — including routes serving traffic between the UAE and India.

Volcanic Ash and Air Travel

One of the greatest adversaries of air travel is volcanic ash. This seemingly harmless grey dust is actually composed of glass-like, sharp particles that can be extremely dangerous for engine operations. Airplane turbines operate at several thousand degrees, and the ash particles, when melted at such temperatures, can severely damage or even destroy the engines. Besides, they can also threaten windshields, sensors, ventilation systems, and other critical flight safety systems.

The Muscat FIR Impact and Authorities' Response

Following the Hayli Gubbi eruption, the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) immediately issued a Volcanic Ash Advisory (VAA) report, which the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) forwarded to affected airlines. The Muscat FIR (Flight Information Region) was especially in focus, as many flights between India and the UAE pass through this airspace.

Indian authorities warned airlines to review their procedures regarding volcanic ash and thoroughly inform pilots and crew about the necessary steps. Air traffic control centers were also instructed to continuously monitor satellite images, VAAC announcements, and atmospheric forecasts.

Specific Incidents and Flight Modifications

Flights are already experiencing impacts. For example, a flight heading to Abu Dhabi was diverted to land in Ahmedabad after the ash cloud threatened the safe route. Although passengers landed safely, the incident highlights how quickly volcanic activities can affect international air traffic.

Dutch airline KLM canceled its Amsterdam–Delhi and return flights, while several Indian airlines — including those operating towards Dubai and other UAE destinations — also issued warnings to passengers. The impact is not only visible in departure and arrival delays but potentially in entire flight cancellations as well.

Impact on Dubai Air Traffic

Dubai, as one of the largest air traffic hubs in the region, is directly affected by the situation. Airports here — primarily Dubai International (DXB) — are closely monitoring developments. The routes for flights arriving in and departing from Dubai, which travel across the southern and central parts of the Arabian Peninsula, partly or wholly lie under the ash cloud.

Several airlines that use Dubai as a transit or destination point have issued specific announcements to passengers to regularly check their flight status, particularly those traveling to or from India.

Safety Regulations and Protocols

According to DGCA guidance, airlines are required to review flight planning protocols, avoid airspace affected by the ash cloud, and alter routes or altitude levels if necessary. A thorough inspection is mandatory for affected aircraft upon landing — particularly in engines and sensor systems.

Airport operators were also instructed to immediately halt traffic and begin cleaning if ash fallout is detected on runways or taxiways. Operations can only resume after all surfaces are cleared of ash.

Long-term Impact of the Volcanic Eruption

The significance of the Hayli Gubbi eruption is not merely the current ash cloud, but also the fact that the volcano has been inactive for nearly 10,000 years. In this context, the scientific community is closely monitoring the region, as further eruptions in the near future cannot be ruled out, potentially having a considerable impact on air travel — including through Dubai.

What Can Passengers Do?

For passengers, the most crucial action is to regularly check the current status of their flights, either via the airline's mobile app or the affected airports' websites. Those traveling with layovers should be particularly mindful of whether their route crosses the region impacted by the ash cloud.

Dubai, as a travel hub, remains committed to passenger safety and reliable operations, though flexibility is key in this natural environment.

Summary

Natural phenomena like a volcanic eruption remind us that despite technological advances, we remain vulnerable to Earth's dynamics. The aviation authorities of Dubai and the region are responding quickly and responsibly to the situation to ensure passenger safety under all circumstances. In the coming days and weeks, heightened attention and adaptability will be required from both airlines and passengers as the ash cloud continues to move.

(Source of the article: Directorate General of Civil Aviation announcement.)