Travel Chaos Strands Elderly Passenger for 27 Hours at Doha Airport Following Ethiopia Volcano Eruption

A volcanic eruption in Ethiopia has created a global travel crisis. A Bengaluru man has shared his grandmother’s ordeal of being stranded at Doha airport for 27 hours. The incident highlights widespread flight cancellations affecting thousands.

According to Hindustan Times, the eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano sent ash clouds across key flight paths. This natural disaster forced airlines, including Air India, to cancel numerous flights for safety reasons. The disruption has left passengers in difficult situations worldwide.

Elderly Traveler’s Airport Ordeal Details

Saswat Biswas from Bengaluru reported his grandmother’s plight. The elderly woman, in her 70s, was traveling from Doha to Kolkata with a transit in Delhi. Her flight was among the many canceled due to the volcanic ash.

She had been visiting family in Doha. Her visa had expired, trapping her inside the airport transit area. Biswas stated she was surviving on public seating without proper accommodation.

Airline Response and Broader Impact

Air India acknowledged the cancellations. The airline stated it was providing hotel accommodations to stranded passengers where possible. However, sources noted hotel rooms in Doha were unavailable due to a major soccer event.

The volcanic ash plume significantly impacted Delhi airport operations. Over a dozen international flights faced delays or cancellations. This event shows how a single natural disaster can disrupt global air travel networks.

The incident underscores the vulnerability of modern air travel to geological events. This Ethiopia volcano eruption has created a ripple effect, stranding passengers across continents. The situation highlights the need for robust contingency plans during widespread flight disruptions.

Thought you’d like to know-

Which volcano caused the flight cancellations?

The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia erupted. Its ash cloud drifted over the Red Sea and towards India. This forced airlines to cancel flights for safety.

How many flights did Air India cancel?

Air India cancelled at least 13 flights. This included both international and domestic routes. The cancellations began on Monday due to the ash cloud.

Why couldn’t passengers get hotel rooms in Doha?

Hotel rooms were reportedly fully booked. A major soccer championship was taking place in the city. This left no available rooms for stranded airline passengers.

What was the main challenge for the elderly passenger?

Her visa had expired, so she could not leave the airport. Her medication was also in her checked baggage. She had to wait on public seats for over a day.

How did the volcanic ash affect Delhi airport?

At least seven international flights were cancelled. More than ten others experienced significant delays. The ash plume created unsafe flying conditions.