Home / Weather / Volcanic Ash Clouds Disrupt Air Travel Across Asia
Volcanic Ash Clouds Disrupt Air Travel Across Asia
24 Nov
Summary
- Volcanic ash plumes are at 10-15 km altitudes, impacting flights.
- Airlines are cancelling and rerouting flights, impacting services.
- Pollution levels may rise, with AQI reaching 'severe' in NCR.
Volcanic ash plumes, composed of ash, sulfur dioxide, and rock particles, have risen to altitudes of 10-15 kilometers, causing significant disruption to air travel. The ash cloud has been observed drifting across the Red Sea towards the Middle East and Central Asia, prompting airlines to cancel numerous flights and reroute others through airspace previously unavailable to them. IndiGo, for instance, had to cancel six flights.
The situation is expected to intensify, with aviation authorities and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation closely monitoring the ash’s trajectory. If the plumes reach cities like Delhi and Jaipur, Indian aviation could face severe impacts. The ash is moving at speeds of 100-120 km/h, posing a direct threat to flight operations at altitudes between 15,000 and 45,000 feet.
Beyond flight disruptions, the ash plume may also contribute to an increase in already high pollution levels in the National Capital Region (NCR). Delhi's air quality index (AQI) was reported at 382 on Monday, nearing the 'severe' category. While the ash is at high altitudes, its presence might lead to hazy skies and a marginal rise in temperatures, though significant impacts on surface-level air quality are considered unlikely.
