The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a safety advisory to all Indian Aviation Operators in connection with the recent volcanic ash activity affecting the Muscat Flight Information Region (FIR) and adjoining areas. DGCA said that the Airport Authority of India and the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre at Toulouse have issued a volcanic ash advisory along with an ASHTAM notifying hazardous conditions. An ASHTAM is a special message issued to aviation operators when a volcanic eruption or ash cloud poses a hazard to aircraft. In view of the situation, DGCA has instructed all flight operators to review the operational manuals on volcanic ash procedures and brief all concerned personnel accordingly.
It has also asked pilots, dispatchers and cabin crew to strictly avoid volcanic ash-affected areas and make adjustments to flight planning, routing, and fuel considerations based on the latest advisory. DGCA also said that all operators will activate internal safety risk management processes, including monitoring for engine performance fluctuations.DGCA further added that if volcanic ash affects airport operations, then the operator must immediately inspect runways, taxiways, and aprons. Operators have also been asked to continuously monitor the situation related to the volcanic ash cloud and stay updated through satellite imagery and meteorological data.
