Context
- After the Hayli Gubbi volcano eruption in Ethiopia on Sunday, volcanic ash clouds are forecast to drift toward mainland India, triggering potential aviation disruptions.
- Indian civil aviation authorities and airlines have been put on high alert due to volcanic ash–related safety risks.
Key Highlights
DGCA Advisory
- Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued advisories to:
- Airlines — avoid flying through affected airspace and altitudes
- Airports — inspect runways for ash contamination, restrict/suspend operations if required
- Airlines instructed to immediately report:
- Engine performance anomalies
- Cabin smoke or unusual odour
- Any suspected ash ingestion incidents
Why Volcanic Ash Poses a Serious Risk
- Volcanic ash:
- Contains abrasive glass-like particles
- Melts at high engine temperatures
- Forms glass coating on turbine blades
- Impact on aircraft:
- Engine failure / power loss
- Blocked ventilation systems
- Damage to cockpit windshields
- Navigation and sensor malfunction
Ash Movement Toward India
- After eruption, ash clouds travelled:
Ethiopia → Yemen → Oman → Western Rajasthan - Entered India on Monday afternoon/evening
- Projected path across:
- Rajasthan → Central India → Delhi (near midnight) → Uttar Pradesh → Bihar → Sikkim → Arunachal Pradesh
- Expected continued north-eastward movement overnight.
Relevant Prelims Points
- Volcanic ash vs dust: ash contains silicate glass + minerals, highly dangerous for aircraft.
- VAAC: Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres globally monitor and issue alerts.
- DGCA responsibilities:
- Civil aviation safety oversight
- Flight guidance during natural hazards
- Aircraft risk indicators of ash ingestion:
- Fluctuating engine thrust
- St Elmo’s fire (blue glow near windows)
- Smoke smell in cabin
Relevant Mains Points
Aviation Risk Management
- Indian aviation is increasingly exposed to transboundary natural hazards:
- Volcanic ash
- Sandstorms
- Cyclones
- Requires predictive modelling and real-time flight planning.
Logistical & Economic Impact
- Possible outcomes:
- Flight diversions / cancellations
- Closure of affected air corridors
- Airport delays at high-density hubs (Delhi especially)
- Aviation ripple effects:
- Crew duty-time overruns
- Slot congestion
- Passenger rebooking and cost escalation for airlines
Inter-Agency Coordination
- Effective management needs:
- IMD + DGCA + Air Traffic Control (ATC) + Airlines + Airport operators
- Satellite imagery from INSAT & global meteorological agencies
Way Forward
- Development of:
- Standard national volcanic ash response protocol
- Aviation contingency plans for long-haul international routes
- Integrated satellite–weather–ATC real-time data platform
- Pilot and crew training on volcanic ash encounter protocols.
- Investment in route re-optimisation technologies to minimise disruption.