Plumes from Ethiopian volcano are spreading across India; flights cancelled

NEW DELHI, Nov 25: A powerful eruption of Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi volcano has sent massive plumes of ash into the atmosphere, spreading rapidly across continents and triggering widespread disruption in air travel.

Air India and Indigo have cancelled over a dozen flights since Monday night.

The ash clouds, propelled by strong upper-level winds, have crossed the Arabian coast and are now drifting toward eastern India, raising concerns for aviation safety and public health.

Several western Indian States, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan, are already experiencing the impact of the drifting ash. Visibility has been reduced in certain areas, and precautionary advisories have been issued to residents.

The hazardous particles in volcanic ash pose risks not only to human health but also to aircraft engines, which can suffer severe damage if exposed during flight.

The airlines have cancelled or rerouted dozens of domestic and international flights. Major hubs such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru reported significant disruptions, with passengers stranded at airports and airlines scrambling to adjust schedules. International carriers operating routes between Asia, Africa, and Europe have also been affected, with several flights diverted to safer corridors.

Impact across regions

Airports in Saudi Arabia, Oman and the UAE reported delays and cancellations as the ash cloud drifted over the northern Arabian sea. Authorities ordered inspections of runways and aircraft surfaces for ash deposits, while airlines rerouted services to safer corridors.

Countries across West Asia, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman, are witnessing similar challenges as the ash cloud is spreading. Aviation authorities in these regions have issued warnings, and airports are implementing contingency measures to minimize risks.

Experts note that volcanic ash clouds can linger for days or even weeks, depending on wind patterns and the scale of the eruption. Meteorological agencies are closely monitoring the situation, but forecasts suggest that the plumes may continue to drift eastward for several more days. This raises uncertainty about when normal flight operations can resume.

Passengers have been advised to check with airlines before traveling, as schedules remain fluid. Health officials also recommend limiting outdoor exposure in affected areas, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions.

While scientists are working to assess whether the eruption is subsiding, there is no immediate indication that the ash dispersal will end soon.

Flight cancellations

Air India cancelled 11 flights till Tuesday morning, including long-haul services such as AI 106 (Newark–Delhi) and AI 102 (New York–Delhi), as well as Gulf routes like AI 2204 (Dubai–Hyderabad), AI 2290 (Doha–Mumbai) and AI 2212 (Dubai–Chennai).
List:

Nov 24:- AI 106 – Newark–Delhi; AI 102 – New York (JFK)–Delhi; AI 2204 – Dubai–Hyderabad; AI 2290 – Doha–Mumbai; AI 2212 – Dubai–Chennai; AI 2250 – Dammam–Mumbai; AI 2284 – Doha–Delhi

Nov 25:- AI 2822 – Chennai–Mumbai; AI 2466 – Hyderabad–Delhi; AI 2444 / 2445 – Mumbai–Hyderabad–Mumbai; AI 2471 / 2472 – Mumbai–Kolkata–Mumbai
IndiGo suspended multiple domestic and international services operating through western and northern corridors, particularly those routed via Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Delhi.
Akasa Air also grounded several flights.
KLM diverted flights away from Indian airspace, joining other international carriers in rerouting.

Hayli Gubbi eruption:

The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia erupted on Sunday for the first time in over 12,000 years, sending ash 14–15 km into the atmosphere and triggering global aviation disruptions.

Hayli Gubbi is a shield volcano located in Ethiopia’s Afar region, about 800 km northeast of Addis Ababa near the Eritrean border. It sits within the East African Rift Valley, a geologically active zone where tectonic plates diverge.

Dormant for nearly 12,000 years, the volcano erupted explosively on Sunday without lava flow but with massive ash and gas emissions. The eruption was described by locals as feeling “like a sudden bomb”.

The ash plume rose to 14–15 km altitude and was carried eastward by upper-level winds. It crossed the Red Sea, swept over Yemen, Oman, and reached India and Pakistan, affecting air quality and flight safety.

Villages near the volcano experienced heavy ash fallout, affecting livestock and daily life. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far.

What began as a regional geological event quickly escalated into an international aviation crisis, with flight cancellations, diversions, and airspace advisories issued across Asia and West Asia.

The hazards of volcanic ash plumes: A volcanic plume is a mixture of volcanic gases and ash that rises into the atmosphere from an active volcano. These plumes can be visible or invisible. Eruption Plumes, which are from explosive eruptions, contain rock fragments, gases, aerosols and air. Volcanic ash cloud is abrasive and extremely dangerous for aircraft as it causes engine failure and reduces visibility. The ash also irritates lungs, eyes and skin. -Agencies