A massive plume of volcanic ash from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi eruption has reached India, affecting flight operations and prompting aviation authorities to issue strict guidelines. The long-dormant volcano erupted on Sunday for the first time in recorded history, sending ash clouds almost 14 kilometres high into the atmosphere.
The plume reached Delhi around 11 pm on Monday before drifting over Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Punjab and Haryana. By Tuesday morning, the cloud continued moving eastward, causing widespread disruption across air routes in northern and western India. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued an urgent advisory instructing airlines to avoid ash-affected airspace, adjust flight plans, alter routing and fuel calculations, and follow enhanced safety protocols.
Several flights have been hit as a result. Air India cancelled at least 11 flights across domestic and international routes and has begun precautionary technical inspections on aircraft that may have travelled through or near the affected zones. Akasa Air also cancelled multiple services, including flights to and from Jeddah, Kuwait and Abu Dhabi.
According to the India Meteorological Department, the ash cloud is expected to leave Indian airspace by around 7:30 pm IST on Tuesday as it continues its eastward movement toward China. Meteorologists have stated that the ash remains at high altitude, and therefore, a significant deterioration in surface-level air quality is not anticipated at present.
The incident highlights how a volcanic eruption thousands of kilometres away can disrupt global aviation movement within hours. Travellers flying to, from, or through north Indian cities have been advised to monitor airline notifications and stay updated regarding possible delays or cancellations.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the movement of the ash cloud closely, while airlines plan alternative routes until Indian skies are clear.
