Ethiopian volcano ash cloud: A massive cloud of volcanic ash, carried by high-altitude winds from an eruption in Ethiopia, swept across large parts of Northwest India on Monday night. It was seen moving over Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Delhi-NCR and Punjab, significantly reducing visibility and disrupting air traffic as it continued its eastward journey across the subcontinent. In view of the drifting ash clouds, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a safety advisory to all airlines, directing them to avoid altitudes and regions affected by volcanic ash from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi eruption, which occurred on Sunday.
DGCA issues advisory
The regulator cautioned carriers to exercise heightened vigilance and adjust flight paths as necessary to ensure passenger and crew safety. The DGCA said a Volcanic Ash Advisory and an ASHTAM have already been issued by the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre and the Airports Authority of India, and asked operators to avoid all affected regions and altitudes. It further asked airlines to review their operational manuals on volcanic ash procedures and brief cockpit and cabin crew accordingly.
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Ash cloud to reach these states today
The ash cloud is further expected to enter parts of western India this evening and move across several northern states, according to India MetSky Weather. The organisation warned that the ash could make the sky appear darker and mazier than usual and may disrupt air traffic, causing delays and longer travel times. “Ash cloud is about to enter Gujarat (West side) and move towards Rajasthan, northwest Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab by 10 pm, and later it will impact the Himalayas and other regions," the meteorological service said.
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Airlines issue advisories
Several airlines have issued warnings and advised passengers to stay updated on possible flight delays and operational changes. IndiGo, Air India and Akasa Air have assured passengers that safety remains their utmost priority following the eruption of Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano, whose ash clouds are drifting toward parts of India. IndiGo, in a statement shared on X, noted that ash clouds were moving toward western India and acknowledged the concern this may cause among travellers. The airline added that its teams are closely monitoring the situation in coordination with international aviation bodies to ensure safe operations.
Air India in its advisory emphasised passenger safety, saying, "Following the volcanic eruption in Ethiopia, ash clouds have been observed over certain geographical regions. We are closely monitoring the situation and remain in constant touch with our operating crew. There is no major impact on Air India flights at this time.”
CSMI Airport warns passengers
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai also issued a passenger advisory, stating, “A volcanic eruption in Ethiopia has affected airspace over parts of West Asia, which may impact some international routes. Passengers are advised to connect with their respective airlines to check the status of their flights before leaving for the airport.”
Hayli Gubbi volcano erupts for the first time
The eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano on Sunday marked its first known eruption in recorded history. The eruption sent a plume of smoke 10–15 km into the air. The ash form the volcanic eruption then drifted across the Red Sea toward Oman and Yemen. Now, the ash plume, which was sent up into the atmosphere during the volcano's eruption, is moving at a speed of 100-120 km/h toward North India. It is travelling at altitudes between 15,000-25,000 feet up to 45,000 feet and contains volcanic ash, sulphur dioxide, and small particles of glass and rock.