Akasa Air has cancelled all its international flights to and from Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi on November 24 and 25, 2025, due to hazardous volcanic ash plumes from Ethiopia's Hauli Gubbi volcano disrupting key air corridors between India and the Gulf region. The low-cost carrier, which launched operations in 2022, cited unsafe flying conditions caused by the ash as the primary reason for the suspensions, emphasizing passenger safety as its top priority. Affected passengers have been offered full refunds or complimentary rebooking options within seven days, with the airline's operational teams actively monitoring global aviation advisories from bodies like the International Civil Aviation Organization.

The eruption of Hauli Gubbi, dormant for over 10,000 years, occurred on Sunday, November 23, propelling ash clouds up to 45,000 feet into the atmosphere and propelling them northeast at speeds of 100-120 km/h. By Monday evening, the plume had encroached on northwest Indian airspace, crossing parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Delhi-NCR, and Punjab, leading to reduced visibility and heightened operational risks. This marks a rare transcontinental impact from an African volcanic event on South Asian aviation, reminiscent of the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption in Iceland that grounded European flights for weeks. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) swiftly issued an advisory to all Indian carriers and airports, urging real-time tracking of volcanic ash dispersion and contingency planning.

IndiGo, India's largest airline, joined Akasa Air in implementing precautionary measures, diverting its Kannur-Abu Dhabi flight (6E1433) to Ahmedabad after detecting ash drift near Indian borders. The carrier is collaborating with international regulators to mitigate disruptions, while other airlines like Air India and Emirates remain on high alert but have not yet reported cancellations. KLM, operating long-haul routes through the region, also suspended select flights as a safety buffer. These actions underscore the aviation sector's vulnerability to distant geological events, with ash particles capable of damaging jet engines, clogging instruments, and posing health risks to crew and passengers.

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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has downplayed concerns over ground-level air quality impacts, stating that the high-altitude plume—hovering above 10 km—poses minimal risk of prolonged pollution in Indian cities like Delhi, where AQI levels were already "very poor" due to seasonal smog. The ash is expected to dissipate eastward rapidly, potentially clearing routes by late Tuesday. However, meteorologists warn that shifting winds could prolong disruptions, advising travelers to check airline apps for updates. The event highlights the need for enhanced regional volcanic monitoring networks, as Ethiopia's Erta Ale and other rift valley sites have shown increased activity in recent years.

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