A long-dormant volcano in northern Ethiopia erupted on Sunday, sending a towering plume of ash thousands of feet into the atmosphere and setting off travel disruptions that stretched from Africa to India. The Hayli Gubbi volcano, located in the Afar region about 800 kilometers northeast of Addis Ababa, had been quiet for roughly 12,000 years before the eruption, which lasted several hours and coated nearby areas with ash.
Across the Red Sea, the ash plume moved from the Ethiopian highlands toward Yemen and Oman, with drifting embers and ash clouds crossing international airspace. By Monday and into Tuesday, Indian authorities reported that a number of flights had been cancelled, delayed, or rerouted as airlines and air traffic controllers grappled with the ash’s potential to affect aircraft performance and engine safety.
Aviation authorities in India urged carriers to take precautions, instructing airlines to avoid the affected zones and to conduct precautionary checks on aircraft that had flown over affected regions. Among the carriers affected, Air India and Akasa Air confirmed cancellations and disruptions to several services in response to the evolving situation. Air India said it cancelled 11 flights on Monday and Tuesday while it carried out precautionary inspections of aircraft that had traversed the affected airspace.
In New Delhi, the impact extended beyond flight schedules. Delhi’s air quality was reported as “very poor” on Tuesday, though officials noted that the exact level of ash contamination in the city remained unclear. Health and environmental authorities said more measurements were needed to determine the ash plume’s concentration and potential health effects, particularly for sensitive groups.
The eruption’s local effects in Ethiopia were evident in the Afdera area, where the village was reportedly blanketed in ash. Officials stressed that while the immediate health risks to residents would depend on ash concentration and exposure duration, communities already dealing with dust and particulate matter faced an additional disruption to daily life and agriculture.
Experts emphasized that ash clouds can affect aviation by reducing visibility, contaminating runways, and causing engine and sensor issues. The Indian regulator’s directive to avoid affected airspace and to carry out checks reflects a precautionary approach common after regional volcanic activity. As the ash plume’s path can shift with wind patterns, airlines and meteorological agencies are closely monitoring satellite data and airspace advisories for any changes that could alter flight plans in the coming days.
Authorities urged travelers to check with their airlines for the latest flight statuses and to stay alert for further advisories as the situation evolves. Meteorologists and aviation officials cautioned that the trajectory of volcanic ash can be unpredictable, and ongoing monitoring is essential to minimize disruption and ensure passenger safety.
What’s known and what remains uncertain:
Eruption occurred Sunday morning, with ash columns reaching high into the atmosphere; the plume crossed the Red Sea toward Yemen and Oman and reached Delhi.
Several Indian flights were cancelled or delayed; regulators directed airlines to avoid affected airspace and perform precautionary aircraft checks.
Delhi’s air quality was reported as very poor on Tuesday, though the precise contribution of volcanic ash to air quality remains to be quantified.
Exact ash concentration and distribution over Delhi and other Indian airspace; full scope of affected flights beyond Air India and Akasa Air; longer-term impacts on air quality and aviation operations.
Possible next steps for readers:
If you’re traveling to or from Delhi or affected Indian airports, check with your airline for real-time flight status and potential rebooking options.
Monitor official aviation and meteorological advisories for updates on ash movement and airspace restrictions.
For residents in affected areas, follow local health guidance regarding air quality and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities if pollution levels rise.
Sources: Statements from Air India and Akasa Air, Indian aviation regulator advisories, reported Delhi air quality readings, and Reuters coverage of the eruption and its fallout.
