Volcanic Ash from Ethiopia Disrupts Indian Aviation
Indian air travel faced significant disruptions on Tuesday as ash clouds from the eruption of Ethiopia's long-dormant Hayli Gubbi Volcano drifted into Indian airspace. Major carriers Air India and Akasa Air were forced to cancel multiple flights following directives from aviation authorities.
Airlines Take Precautionary Measures
Air India cancelled 11 flights across Monday and Tuesday as the airline conducted thorough precautionary checks on aircraft that had flown over affected regions. The cancellations came after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued specific guidelines to airlines regarding the volcanic ash situation.
Akasa Air also joined Air India in cancelling select flights, though the exact number wasn't specified in initial reports. Both airlines prioritized passenger safety amid the unusual atmospheric conditions caused by the volcanic eruption that occurred on Sunday, November 23, 2025.
IMD Provides Crucial Weather Update
The India Meteorological Department delivered reassuring news, predicting that the ash clouds would completely move away from Indian territory by 7:30 PM on Tuesday. According to their forecast models, the volcanic ash is currently passing through India en route to China.
Meteorological data indicated that several northern Indian regions experienced ash influence throughout Tuesday, including Gujarat, Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana. The IMD's timely forecasting helped aviation authorities make informed decisions about flight operations.
Background of the Volcanic Event
The atmospheric disruption originated from the Hayli Gubbi Volcano in Ethiopia's Afar region, which erupted after remaining dormant for an extended period. Photographic evidence released by the Afar Government Communication Bureau showed massive ash plumes billowing from the volcano, captured by observers on the ground.
This event marks another instance of how geological activities in one continent can significantly impact aviation and weather patterns thousands of kilometers away, demonstrating the interconnected nature of global atmospheric systems.
