A massive volcanic ash plume from the first recorded eruption of Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano in nearly 12,000 years reached north and northwest India on Tuesday morning, prompting airlines to cancel or divert dozens of domestic and international flights. The high-altitude cloud—travelling at speeds up to 120 km/h—formed a continuous belt from the Arabian Sea across Pakistan into Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and parts of Maharashtra, forcing the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to issue urgent advisories and airlines to reroute aircraft away from affected corridors.

The eruption in Ethiopia’s tectonically active Afar region on Sunday spewed ash and sulphur dioxide to altitudes of 25,000–45,000 feet, carried eastward by strong subtropical westerly winds. Satellite imagery tracked the plume across the Red Sea, Arabian Peninsula, and Pakistan before it entered Indian airspace overnight. While denser pockets disrupted high-altitude flight paths, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed the ash remains well above breathing level and will not significantly worsen Delhi’s already “very poor” surface air quality. The cloud is expected to clear Indian skies by 7:30 pm Tuesday as it continues toward China.

Major carriers, including IndiGo, Akasa Air, Air India, and international operators such as KLM, have cancelled or diverted flights, particularly on Gulf and Middle East routes. Akasa Air suspended all services to Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, and Kuwait for November 24–25, while IndiGo diverted at least one Abu Dhabi-bound flight to Ahmedabad. Authorities emphasized that the lower ash density compared to the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption in Iceland has avoided a Europe-style blanket shutdown, but sulfur dioxide levels and potential engine hazards necessitated precautionary measures.

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The IMD and aviation regulators continue to monitor real-time satellite data, with airlines adjusting altitudes and routes dynamically. Passengers have been advised to check flight status frequently, as minor delays and cancellations may persist until the plume fully dissipates. Scientists note that while dramatic, such long-range volcanic impacts remain rare, highlighting the interconnected risks of global geology and modern air travel.

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