Ethiopian Volcanic Ash Cloud Moves Across India: Impact on Flights and Air Travel Safety

After a 12,000-year dormancy, the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia has experienced a significant eruption.

According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the high-altitude volcanic ash cloud hovering over Delhi and surrounding regions will depart from Indian airspace and move toward China by 7 pm today.

The ash plume from northern Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi volcano first reached Gujarat via the Arabian Sea before advancing to Delhi around midnight. The cloud has also traversed Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana, and is currently progressing eastward through Uttar Pradesh and Bihar en route to China.

Located at an altitude of eight to 15 kilometers above sea level, the volcanic ash is traveling at approximately 150 km/h. Importantly, the IMD chief confirmed that the ash is not affecting Delhi's already 'very poor' air quality.

"There's no reason for public concern. We haven't issued any general advisory, though aircraft operators have received specific guidance. If the ash concentration were higher, it could have formed visible clouds. This volcanic ash will not impact Delhi's existing pollution levels," Mohapatra explained.

The aviation sector has experienced significant disruptions due to the ash cloud. The high sulfur content and elevated altitude have created hazardous conditions for aircraft traversing the affected path. Official data indicates that 19 international flights faced disruptions today, with seven cancellations and 12 delays.

Among the canceled routes were flights connecting Newark to Delhi, New York to Delhi, Dubai to Hyderabad, Doha to Mumbai, Dubai to Chennai, Dammam to Mumbai, Doha to Delhi, Chennai to Mumbai, and Hyderabad to Delhi.

India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) released an advisory instructing airlines to strictly avoid areas and flight levels affected by the volcanic ash. The guidance emphasized adjusting flight planning, routing, and fuel considerations based on current advisories. Airlines were also directed to immediately report any suspected ash encounters, including engine performance anomalies or cabin smoke/odor.

Multiple carriers including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet experienced operational impacts from the ash cloud.

Air India addressed the situation in a statement: "We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to passengers due to this unforeseen situation beyond our control. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority."

IndiGo assured passengers through a social media post on X: "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. Our teams are closely tracking the situation in coordination with international aviation bodies. We are fully prepared with all necessary precautions to ensure safe and reliable operations."