Ethiopian Volcano Eruption Sends Ash Clouds; Air India’s Flights Stay Unscathed

Updated: November 24, 2025 23:27

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Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi volcanic eruption has led to flight cancellations and diversions by some Indian carriers due to drifting ash clouds, but Air India reports no major impact on its flights so far. Aviation authorities and airlines are monitoring the situation closely, enforcing safety advisories to avoid ash-affected airspaces.

Following the dramatic eruption of Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi volcano—the first in over 10,000 years—air travel in affected corridors has come under intense scrutiny. While airlines like IndiGo and Akasa Air have experienced disruptions on some West Asia routes, Air India has confirmed no major impact on its flights at this time. The situation remains fluid as volcanic ash plumes move eastward, compelling aviation authorities to issue strict safety advisories.

Key updates on aviation response to volcanic activity:

Regional Diversions and Cancellations: IndiGo diverted its Kannur-Abu Dhabi flight to Ahmedabad to avoid ash clouds, and Akasa Air canceled several flights including those to Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi. Passengers are offered refunds or rebooking options.
Vigilant Monitoring: Airlines, including Air India, are closely tracking volcanic ash movements in coordination with international aviation bodies. The safety of passengers remains paramount, with continuous assessments and route adjustments underway.
Regulatory Directives: India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued an advisory mandating avoidance of ash-affected airspace, revisions in flight routes, fuel planning, and post-flight inspections for aircraft potentially exposed to ash.
Volcanic Ash Drift: The ash plume is traveling northeast at a speed of approximately 100–120 km/h, expected to reach Indian airspace near Delhi and Jaipur. This has prompted airlines and airports to prepare for possible operational impacts.
Air India's Status: Despite regional disruptions, Air India currently reports no significant flight impact. The airline remains vigilant and ready to respond to any developments linked to the volcanic activity.

The eruption has underscored the aviation sector's reliance on timely meteorological data and swift regulatory action to mitigate volcanic risk. Travelers on affected routes should stay updated on flight status and heed airline advisories. Safety protocols and contingency planning remain the industry's top priorities amid this unfolding natural event.

Sources: Reuters, Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation, IndiGo, Akasa Air, Economic Times, News18, India Today, Hindustan Times

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