Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano in the remote Afar region erupted violently on November 23 after lying dormant for nearly 12,000 years, hurling a towering ash plume up to 15 kilometers into the atmosphere. Although the eruption has ceased, the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre reports that a dense ash cloud is now drifting eastward at 100-120 km/h, with satellite tracking confirming it will enter Indian airspace over Gujarat by late evening and spread across Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Maharashtra within the next 24-36 hours.

Major Indian carriers swiftly activated emergency response protocols on Monday morning. IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air issued public statements emphasizing that passenger and aircraft safety is their absolute priority, with dedicated teams coordinating in real time with international aviation authorities and meteorological agencies. IndiGo assured travelers that any required rerouting or cancellations will be communicated promptly, while Air India confirmed its operations remain normal for now but flight crews are on heightened alert for sudden ash encounters.

Volcanic ash is extremely abrasive and can cause engine flameouts, pitot tube blockages, and severe visibility reduction, making it one of aviation’s most feared hazards. Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport released an official advisory urging passengers on domestic and international flights to verify status before departure, as the plume’s arrival could trigger delays, diversions, or temporary airspace closures across northern and western India.

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The in the Arabian Peninsula have already suspended several routes, and European carriers are adjusting flight paths to avoid the contaminated corridor. India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation has directed all pilots to maintain strict avoidance distances if ash is detected, with airlines prepared to implement ground delays or alternate routings to southern corridors if the situation escalates.

Travelers are strongly advised to monitor official airline channels and airport websites for live updates, as the fast-moving ash cloud could cause widespread schedule disruptions over the next two days. Authorities stress that while the immediate volcanic threat has ended, the lingering plume remains a significant risk until it fully disperses.

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