Airlines Cancel Flights After Volcanic Eruptions: Here's Why

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At least three airlines suspended flights between Australia and Bali this week, following a volcanic eruption in eastern Indonesia that unleashed a massive plume of ash into the sky. While travelers understandably feel disappointed and frustrated by their disrupted plans, it is essential to understand why these cancellations are a crucial safety measure.

Why is Volcanic Ash Dangerous for Aircraft?

Volcanic ash is highly hazardous for aircraft, and the risks extend beyond the inconvenience caused by delays. When a volcano erupts, the ash that is ejected into the atmosphere is composed of fine particles that are both abrasive and potentially catastrophic for the aircraft.

One of the main dangers lies in how volcanic ash affects the visibility through a plane's windscreen. Imagine the effect of sandpaper on a spectacle lens. The ash particles are so fine and sharp that they can scratch and permanently damage the aircraft's windscreen, often rendering it opaque. This makes visibility for the pilots extremely poor, and it is akin to trying to see through scratched glasses that have been rubbed with sandpaper.

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But the hazards do not stop at visibility. Volcanic ash particles are so abrasive that they can damage the plane's external sensors, which help monitor and manage essential systems. This could lead to erroneous readings, making the aircraft's control systems unreliable. The ash can also infiltrate the aircraft’s ventilation system, posing potential health risks for passengers by contaminating the cabin air, which could lead to respiratory issues.

However, the greatest danger volcanic ash poses is to the engines. Jet engines rely on precise airflow to function properly. When ash enters the engines, the particles melt due to the high temperatures inside and begin to build up. This disruption of airflow can cause the engines to stall, or “flame out.” In severe cases, this could lead to a total loss of power, leaving the aircraft in peril.

Volcanic ash contains a significant amount of silica, which melts and becomes similar to glass when exposed to the extreme heat inside a jet engine. This melted glass-like material can clog up crucial components, such as the fuel injectors and turbine blades, making it difficult or impossible for the engine to operate correctly.

A Historical Incident

A notable example of the dangers volcanic ash poses to aviation occurred in 1982. A British Airways Boeing 747, flying near Indonesia, flew into a volcanic ash cloud from Mount Galunggung on Java. As a result, the aircraft lost all four of its engines. Miraculously, the crew was able to restart the engines and safely land the plane, despite the fact that the pilots could not see through the heavily scratched windscreen.

How Airlines Decide to Cancel Flights

Airlines take these safety risks extremely seriously, and the decision to cancel flights due to volcanic ash is made based on careful risk assessment and analysis. Each airline has its own operational team tasked with monitoring and evaluating real-time data from volcanic eruptions, including the size and spread of the ash cloud.

The team assesses how far the ash is traveling, factoring in variables such as wind patterns at different altitudes. Ash clouds can travel vast distances depending on wind speed and direction, making it difficult to predict exactly where the danger zones will be. Meteorological agencies around the world, in coordination with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), issue warnings and guidance on volcanic hazards, ensuring that airlines have the information they need to make informed decisions.

Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) requires all airlines to have a robust risk management process in place. Airlines work together and share information, which means that some may choose to cancel flights earlier than others. However, sophisticated airlines tend to come to similar conclusions based on the available data. The decision is always made with passenger safety as the priority.

Before flights can resume after a volcanic eruption, the ash must have cleared from the air, and airlines must be confident that the risk of further eruptions is low. This ensures that there is no longer a threat to the aircraft, the crew, or passengers.

Passenger Safety is the Priority

Though it’s disappointing for travelers whose holidays are interrupted by flight cancellations, it’s crucial to remember that these measures are designed to protect their safety. Volcanic ash can severely impact a plane’s ability to fly safely, and the potential for engine failure or poor visibility is a real and serious concern.

By grounding flights, airlines are making the right call. As frustrating as delays can be, they are a small price to pay for ensuring that passengers are not put in harm's way. The decision to cancel flights is made in the best interests of everyone on board, as there is no compromising when it comes to air travel safety.