Eruption sends high‑altitude ash cloud towards India
A dramatic eruption of the Hayli Gubbi Volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region on 23 November 2025 sent ash plumes soaring up to 14 km into the atmosphere. The volcanic plume has been tracked drifting eastward, crossing the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula before entering Indian airspace, including over Delhi‑NCR, Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Flight disruptions and aviation warnings
India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), issued advisories urging carriers to avoid flight paths and altitudes affected by the ash cloud, citing the hazard it poses to aircraft engines and systems.
Several Indian airlines responded immediately:
- Air India cancelled 11 flights over 24‑25 November as precautionary checks were carried out on aircraft that could have flown into ash‑affected zones.
- Akasa Air and others also cancelled or rerouted international services, particularly those to and from the Middle East.
Why ash clouds matter for aviation
Volcanic ash consists of fine rock and glass particles which can:
- Abrade cockpit windows and sensors
- Melt inside aircraft engines, forming glassy deposits that may cause engine failure
- Reduce visibility and contaminate fuel and mechanical systems.
Given these risks, even remote eruptions can trigger major operational changes across air‑traffic networks.
Impact on Delhi and northern Indian skies
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the ash cloud entered India via Gujarat and Rajasthan on Monday night and passed over Delhi, Haryana and Punjab by early Tuesday—travelling at speeds of 100‑120 km / h at altitudes between 8 and 15 km. While the ash is high in the atmosphere and not expected to significantly impact surface air‑quality in Delhi, the presence of the cloud at flying altitudes prompted operational caution.
What to watch in coming hours
- Airlines will monitor ongoing ash‑plume forecasts and may continue to adjust routes or altitudes until the cloud passes. IMD forecasts suggest the ash will clear Indian skies by 7:30 pm local time.
- Passengers scheduled on international or Middle‑East‑route flights should check with their airlines for updated status and potential delays.
- Aviation authorities and airports may conduct further inspections of aircraft components if extended exposure to ash‑affected airspace is suspected.
Final word
A volcano thousands of kilometres away has triggered tangible effects on Indian aviation, underscoring the interconnected nature of global flight networks. While no major disruption to surface air‑quality in Delhi is expected, the event is a sharp reminder that natural phenomena — whether geological or meteorological — can have far‑reaching operational consequences. In this case, the safe diversion and cancellation of flights highlight the value of real‑time monitoring, preparedness and caution when ash‑laden skies threaten.
