Jaipur, Nov.25,2025:Ethiopia volcano ash cloud India is not just a worrying headline — it has quickly become a full-blown disruption for aviation, environment, and public safety in parts of northern India. The eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia has sent up massive ash plumes, and they are now drifting thousands of kilometres, affecting airspace and prompting regulatory action.
The Hayli Gubbi Volcano Eruption
Early on Sunday, November 23, 2025, the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region erupted explosively, spewing ash and gas high into the atmosphere. This is a shield volcano located in the Erta Ale Range, and according to geological records, it had shown no known eruption in the last ~12,000 years.
Satellite data from the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre confirmed a towering ash plume, reaching altitudes of up to 14 km, which is roughly 45,000 feet. Locals in nearby villages described the event as a massive explosion, with shock waves reverberating and a dense cloud of dust and ash coating their surroundings.
First Eruption in Millennia
What makes this eruption particularly remarkable — and alarming — is that it’s likely the first recorded eruption of Hayli Gubbi in modern geological times. The Smithsonian Institution’s Global Volcanism Program suggests there was no known Holocene activity at this volcano until now.
The return of activity after a dormancy of around 12,000 years is a stark reminder of the unpredictability of geological phenomena, especially along tectonically active regions such as Ethiopia’s Rift Valley.
Reaching India
After the eruption, the ash cloud didn’t stay local — it began drifting east. According to the Toulouse advisory and multiple meteorological trackers, the ash has moved across the Red Sea, then over Yemen and Oman, before making its way toward parts of India and Pakistan.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and aviation authorities have been closely monitoring its path.
How Fast Is the Ash Moving
According to IMD-linked sources, the plume is traveling at a speed of 100–120 km/h, which is significant for an atmospheric event of this scale. The vertical spread is also notable: estimates suggest the ash cloud is dispersed between 15,000 feet and 45,000 feet in height, carrying not just volcanic ash but also sulphur dioxide and fine glass particles.
These conditions make the cloud particularly hazardous for aircraft, especially at high cruising altitudes.
Impact on Indian Airways
The Ethiopia volcano ash cloud India crisis has already impacted airlines
- Air India cancelled 11 flights on Monday and Tuesday as a precaution and to carry out inspections on aircraft that may have flown near the affected airspace.
- Akasa Air cancelled its flights to and from the Gulf — specifically Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi — due to the risk posed by the ash cloud.
- IndiGo, too, has reported disruptions.
- KLM (the Dutch carrier) has also reportedly cancelled certain routes.
DGCA Issues Urgent Safety Advisory
In response to the ash threat, DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) has issued a high-priority advisory to all Indian airlines
- Avoid regions and altitudes known to be affected by the ash cloud.
- Adjust flight planning, routing, and fuel loads based on the latest data.
- Immediately report any suspected ash encounter — including unusual engine behavior, cabin smoke, or foul odors.
- Once back on ground, conduct post-flight inspections to check for ash-induced damage.
- Airports are asked to inspect runways, taxiways, and aprons for ash contamination and suspend operations if needed.
This directive underscores how seriously aviation authorities are treating the situation.
Ash-Related Risks to Aircraft
Why all the caution? Because volcanic ash is extremely dangerous for aircraft:
- The tiny particles are highly abrasive; they can damage engines, erode surfaces, and compromise sensors.
- When ingested into a jet engine, ash can melt inside due to the high temperatures, leading to internal coating, erosion or even engine failure.
- The presence of sulphur dioxide and fine glass particles increases the risk of corrosion.
Aviation guidelines (including ones from ICAO) strongly advise avoidance of ash-contaminated regions — which is why DGCA’s alert is so critical.
Regional and Health Consequences
Beyond aviation, the Ethiopia volcano ash cloud India connection could have wider environmental and health impacts:
- The ash plume is expected to drift over parts of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Punjab, and potentially further toward Himalayan regions.
- At ground or lower altitudes, the air may appear unusually hazy or dim, thanks to suspended ash.
- Fine ash and sulfur dioxide can pose respiratory risks, especially for vulnerable populations (children, elderly, asthma patients).
While surface-level impact may be limited, the long-term deposition of ash could affect soil, water sources, and vegetation.
Economic and Environmental Aftershocks
- Livestock and Local Communities: In Ethiopia, local herders are already alarmed. Livestock grazing areas have been covered in ash, threatening food supply for animals.
- Tourism: The Afar region, known for its unique landscapes and the Danakil Desert, has tourist communities that could face disruption.
- Aviation Costs: Cancelled flights, aircraft inspections, and rerouting could impose significant expenses on airlines.
Moreover, if ash persists in the atmosphere, there could be climatic effects, impacting sunlight, temperature, and air quality over a broader region.
Expert Insights and External Monitoring
- The Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) is central to tracking the ash plume. Their satellite-based alerts are guiding aviation authorities.
- Geological experts have flagged the eruption’s rarity — Hayli Gubbi hasn’t been active in the Holocene until now.
- The IMD is providing constant updates, leveraging meteorological models to predict the plume’s movement.
Forecast and Precaution
Based on current models
- The ash cloud is expected to clear Indian airspace by later today (Tuesday), as per the IMD.
- However, aviation authorities and airlines will continue to monitor satellite imagery, meteorological data, and real-time aircraft behaviour.
- Airports in potentially affected regions have been advised to remain on alert and conduct inspections as needed.
What India Can Do
Given the unpredictable nature of volcanic fallout, here are some recommended steps for Indian authorities and the public
- Maintain Strict Flight Safety Protocols
Airlines should continue to follow DGCA guidance rigorously. Avoidance of risky altitudes and constant aircraft monitoring is essential.
- Public Health Alerts
Local governments in regions under the ash’s projected path should inform citizens about potential respiratory risks. Wearing masks, avoiding outdoor exposure when the ash is thick, and improving indoor air filtration could help.
- Ground Infrastructure Preparedness
Airports must be ready to inspect surfaces and clean ash deposits from runways, taxiways, and aprons without significant delay.
- Long-Term Environmental Monitoring
Coordinated efforts between meteorological, environmental, and geological agencies can help assess ash deposition on soil, vegetation, water bodies, and livestock areas.
- Communication & Transparency
Real-time public updates via media, social platforms, and government channels will be crucial to keep people informed and safe.
Ethiopia volcano ash cloud India is more than a dramatic news event — it’s a serious risk matrix involving aviation safety, environmental health, and cross-border atmospheric dynamics. The unprecedented eruption of Hayli Gubbi volcano after thousands of years, coupled with fast-moving ash plumes, has jolted authorities into action. While immediate flight disruptions are being handled, the long-term implications on health, ecology, and climate remain uncertain. Vigilance, preparation, and coordinated response are key as India navigates this unusual but critical challenge.
