Delhi, India: Akasa Air has announced the cancellation of its flights to Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi on November 24 and 25, 2025, due to volcanic ash from Ethiopia disrupting major air routes connecting India with the Gulf region. The airline cited safety concerns as the reason for halting operations temporarily.

A company spokesperson stated, “Because of the volcanic eruption in Ethiopia and the resulting ash plume affecting nearby airspace, our services to and from Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi on 24th and 25th November 2025 have been cancelled.” Passengers affected by the cancellations are being offered either a full refund or the opportunity to reschedule their travel within the next seven days at no extra cost.

Akasa Air added that its operations team is closely monitoring the situation, working alongside international aviation authorities and safety experts. “Passenger safety remains our top priority,” the airline emphasized.

The eruption of Ethiopia’s Hauli Gubbi volcano, the first in over 10,000 years, sent ash up to 45,000 feet into the sky. The ash cloud traveled northeast at speeds of 100–120 km/h, impacting the high-altitude flight paths between India and the Middle East.

Several other carriers have also been affected. IndiGo reported coordinating with aviation authorities to ensure safe travel, with its Kannur–Abu Dhabi flight (6E1433) diverted to Ahmedabad when the ash entered Indian airspace. International airlines including KLM have also cancelled flights as a precaution.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a notice urging all airlines and airports to stay vigilant and follow real-time weather and volcanic activity updates. The India Meteorological Department stated that the ash, located approximately 10 km above ground level, was unlikely to degrade air quality in Delhi or surrounding cities and its impact should be temporary as it moves eastward.

Air traffic in parts of northwest India, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Delhi-NCR, and Punjab, experienced disruptions as airlines and authorities adapted operations in response to the shifting volcanic ash plume.