The recent eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia has raised alarms in aviation circles, especially for flights operating in and out of India. Visuals from the Indira Gandhi International Airport indicate that operations continue, albeit with increased monitoring protocols in place. In response to the volcanic activity, India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued strict advisories to airline operators. These advisories emphasize the need for all airlines to steer clear of altitudes and areas impacted by volcanic ash. Flight planning and routing are required to be dynamically adjusted based on real-time updates to ensure passenger safety.

Air India has proactively responded with a travel advisory, confirming that while ash clouds from the Ethiopian eruption have been detected over select regions, its flight operations remain largely unaffected for the time being. The airline is committed to monitoring the situation closely and has maintained consistent communication with its flight crews to ensure preparedness for any changes that may arise. Furthermore, Air India has taken necessary precautions to safeguard passengers and crew, with ground teams ready to assist travelers by providing timely updates on flight statuses as the situation evolves.

Similarly, low-cost carrier IndiGo has also issued a public advisory concerning the ongoing developments related to the volcanic ash clouds drifting from Ethiopia towards India. IndiGo prioritizes passenger safety and has ensured that its staff is closely watching the situation in collaboration with international aviation authorities. The airline has positioned personnel across all customer service points to aid travelers and has vowed to remain vigilant concerning the occurrence of potential disruptions.

The Hayli Gubbi volcano's eruption is noteworthy, as it produced an impressive ash plume that reached approximately 15 kilometers into the atmosphere—a significant height given that the volcano had previously been considered dormant with no recent activity. This has resulted in a substantial ash cloud that has affected various air routes, particularly those traversing the Muscat Flight Information Region in the Middle East. The DGCA has mandated airlines to adjust flight plans and monitor daily NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) and weather updates. Airlines must also report any occurrences of suspected ash exposure, including engine anomalies or unusual smells within the aircraft, immediately.

In conclusion, the situation remains fluid, and India’s airlines are taking robust measures to align with safety advisories while ensuring the minimal impact on flight operations. The overarching focus is on maintaining aviation safety and providing updates to travelers as necessary.