IMD says Hayli Gubbi ash will clear from India today.
Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano spreads ash across regions, affecting flights and weather, with India also seeing short-term impact today.
Flight operations across India and parts of West Asia were thrown into temporary disarray on Monday after the long-dormant Hayli Gubbi volcano in northern Ethiopia erupted for the first time in more than 12,000 years. The unexpected eruption sent a towering cloud of volcanic ash drifting across the Red Sea and further east toward South Asia, triggering widespread aviation disruptions and forcing authorities to issue urgent safety guidelines.
The ash plume, dense and fast-moving, quickly became a major concern for flight safety. Among the affected aircraft was an IndiGo flight from Kannur to Abu Dhabi, which had to be diverted mid-route as the ash made flying conditions unsafe. Other international airlines soon followed suit, either cancelling flights or altering their routes as the ash cloud continued spreading across the skies of Yemen, Oman, India, and parts of Pakistan.
What happened
IndiGo’s flight 6E 1433, operating between Kannur and Abu Dhabi, encountered conditions linked to the volcanic ash and was rerouted to Ahmedabad as a precaution. The airline confirmed that the aircraft landed safely, and arrangements were made to operate a return flight back to Kannur for passengers.
As news of the eruption spread, more airlines took preventive action. Akasa Air and KLM were among those that either rerouted or cancelled flights to avoid the affected air corridors. With ash drifting into busy international flight paths, aviation authorities emphasized that even distant regions could face spillover effects.
Impact on India and DGCA advisory
By Monday night, a noticeable portion of the ash cloud had reached India’s airspace, prompting the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to issue a comprehensive advisory to airlines and airport operators. The regulator warned that volcanic ash poses multiple hazards — including reduced visibility, engine damage, and interference with aircraft instruments — and must be avoided at all costs.
Airlines were instructed to steer clear of volcanic ash–affected routes and to revise flight levels, fuel planning, and alternate airport options accordingly. Pilots were told to immediately report any suspected encounter with volcanic ash, including unusual engine behavior or air quality issues inside the cabin.
Airport operators across affected regions were also asked to conduct thorough inspections of runways, taxiways, and aprons, as even a thin layer of volcanic ash can reduce friction and pose safety risks during takeoff and landing.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) later confirmed that the main concentration of ash was shifting northeastward towards China. According to the IMD, India would be completely clear of the ash by 7:30 PM on Tuesday, easing concerns for both domestic and international carriers.
As flight schedules stabilize and authorities continue to track the ash plume, the eruption of Hayli Gubbi — a volcano silent for millennia — has served as a powerful reminder of how natural events halfway across the world can ripple through global aviation within hours.