Volcanic eruption: Air traffic to Gulf region in crisis; alert issued to airlines 

KOCHI: Flight services from Nedumbassery are likely to be disrupted today in the wake of the Hayli Gubbi volcano eruption in Ethiopia. Aakash Air to Jeddah and IndiGo to Dubai had suspended their services the other day. The SpiceJet flight to Dubai, which was scheduled to depart last night, was also rescheduled for today.

The volcanic eruption has significantly affected air traffic in Asia. Smoke clouds have reached cities including Delhi. The smoke is heavy in Rajasthan and Maharashtra. In this situation, airlines have been advised to be alert. Air traffic to the Gulf region is also in crisis. There is also information that the Kannur-Abu Dhabi flight landed in Ahmedabad.

Authorities warned that dust particles from the volcanic eruption could affect the air quality index and that people should definitely wear masks in such situations. The Hayli Gubbi volcano, which had been dormant for about 10,000 years, erupted around 8:30 am on Sunday. The eruption is now said to have ended.