Highlights:
A massive cloud of volcanic ash from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano, which erupted on Sunday (23) for the first time in more than 12,000 years, travelled more than 4,000 kilometres to reach India, disrupting aviation across West Asia and parts of the country. Flight diversions, cancellations, and delays were reported on Monday (24) and Tuesday (25) as airlines attempted to avoid ash-laden airspace.
The long-dormant volcano, located in Ethiopia’s Afar region, erupted early Sunday morning (23), blanketing nearby villages in ash. Residents told the Associated Press that they were unaware of any previous eruptions in recorded history. The Smithsonian Institution’s Global Volcanism Program confirmed that the volcano had no known activity during the Holocene era. Satellite analyses by the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Center showed the ash rising nearly 14 km high before drifting westward across the Red Sea.
As the ash plume advanced toward South Asia, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a detailed advisory. Airlines, including IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India, and Akasa Air, were instructed to avoid affected routes, adjust flight levels, review fuel planning, and report any suspected ash encounters. Airport operators were also told to inspect runways and taxiways for ash accumulation.
By Monday night (24), the ash cloud entered Indian airspace, passing over Gujarat and Rajasthan before drifting toward Delhi, Haryana, and eastern India. However, meteorological agencies stressed that the plume remained confined to the upper troposphere, between 8 km and 15 km above the surface, well above the breathing zone and general weather systems.
On Tuesday evening (25), the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reiterated that the volcanic ash would have no impact on Delhi’s air quality or regional weather. “The impact of this volcanic ash is being seen only in the upper troposphere, and it is affecting flight operations. It has no impact on air quality and weather,” said Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology. He confirmed the plume was moving toward China and would be clear of India by 7:30 pm on Tuesday.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) also issued a statement, noting that it was monitoring the situation closely in coordination with air traffic control, IMD, and international aviation agencies. “Operations across India remain smooth, with only a few flights rerouted or descended as a precaution,” the ministry said on X. While some flights were cancelled or significantly delayed, authorities reassured passengers that there was no wider cause for concern.
Experts highlighted that volcanic ash clouds at high altitudes are a serious aviation hazard, as ash can reduce visibility, damage aircraft engines, and corrode sensitive components. The ash from Hayli Gubbi rose to altitudes where long-haul aircraft typically cruise, prompting widespread airspace adjustments.
The eruption, which coated Ethiopia’s nearby Afdera village in ash, marks one of the most significant geological events in the region in centuries. Despite the dramatic plume reaching India, its impact remained largely limited to aviation, with no direct harm to weather patterns or ground-level air quality.
