Several Flights Cancelled as Ethiopian Volcanic Ash Cloud Reaches India

KalimNews, New Delhi, 25 November 2025: A recent eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia has disrupted the aviation sector, as ash clouds containing sulphur dioxide and volcanic particles are moving towards India. The ash plume has already entered parts of western India and is expected to move further across the northern states, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, northwest Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab. As a result, several flights have been cancelled, and aviation authorities are on high alert.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued urgent advisories to airlines, urging them to avoid flying through areas affected by the volcanic ash, which is spreading at altitudes between 15,000 and 45,000 feet. Airlines have been instructed to adjust their flight planning, routes, and fuel considerations to mitigate any potential risks, with specific instructions to report any anomalies such as engine performance issues or signs of cabin smoke.

Indian carriers, including Akasa Air and IndiGo, have already cancelled flights in response to the ash cloud’s path. Akasa Air, for instance, grounded its flights to and from Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi on 24-25 November. The airline released a statement reassuring passengers that safety remains its top priority, with further assessments being carried out in accordance with international aviation protocols. IndiGo has similarly cancelled several of its flights to the Middle East. Dutch carrier KLM also suspended its flight from Amsterdam to Delhi due to the volcanic ash.

In a statement on social media, IndiGo informed passengers: “Following the recent eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia, ash clouds are reported to be drifting towards parts of western India. We understand that such news may cause concern, and we want to reassure you that your safety remains our highest priority.”

Air India has indicated that it is closely monitoring the situation and has been in continuous contact with its operating crew. As of now, there have been no significant impacts on their operations. However, the ash clouds have already affected several parts of India, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Delhi, where they are expected to continue their journey across northern and central India.

The ash plume, moving at 100-120 km/h, contains not only volcanic ash but also sulphur dioxide, along with small particles of glass and rock. These particles could pose a serious threat to both aviation and public health, although it is not expected to cause major deterioration in air quality in most regions. Experts have noted that the ash’s impact on air quality will be minimal, as the particles are travelling at high altitudes, but the disruptions to air travel are expected to persist for some time.

The volcanic eruption, which originated from the Hayli Gubbi shield volcano in Ethiopia's Afar region, sent thick clouds of ash and sulphur dioxide into the atmosphere. These clouds, carried by strong east-west winds, moved quickly across the Red Sea and reached the Arabian Peninsula before continuing eastward towards India. Satellite images captured the ash clouds as they drifted across vast areas, and independent weather forecasters, including IndiaMetSky Weather, have predicted that the ash will soon pass through Pakistan and reach the Indian subcontinent.

By late Monday night, the ash had already covered parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, and was expected to affect Delhi-NCR, Haryana, and Punjab shortly thereafter. The ash cloud is scurrying and is expected to continue northeastward, eventually crossing into China via the Himalayas.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the volcanic ash cloud will likely transition into the upper atmosphere, with finer dust particles lingering for several days. The IMD also highlighted a small trail of sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere, which will gradually disperse over time. The cloud is expected to continue its eastward journey, ultimately moving towards the Pacific Ocean.

Despite the disruptions, experts have emphasised that the impact on public health and air quality in the affected regions is expected to be limited, as the ash is travelling at much higher altitudes than normal flight paths. Nevertheless, the ongoing disruption to air travel is causing inconvenience to passengers, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure safety and minimise further cancellations.

As this extraordinary natural event unfolds, the DGCA has reiterated its focus on ensuring the safety of air travel, urging airlines to comply with the latest advisories and make necessary adjustments to their flight operations. (With inputs from Agencies)