Ethiopian volcanic ash clouds push Delhi-bound flights into diversions
Ethiopian volcanic ash clouds push Delhi-bound flights into diversions
Ash plumes from Hayli Gubbi volcano drift toward India, triggering flight diversions and new advisories as Delhi and surrounding regions brace for possible disruption.
An eruption from the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia has sent thick ash clouds high into the atmosphere, with plumes reaching up to about 14 kilometers (roughly 9 miles) above ground. The ash and sulfur dioxide are drifting eastward across the Red Sea toward Yemen and Oman, and meteorologists warn the plume could move toward the Indian subcontinent in the coming hours. While no casualties have been reported, the eruption’s reach is prompting fresh scrutiny of airspace and flight safety as authorities track the plume’s movement across international borders.
Flight operations in northwest India are already feeling the impact. Forecasts indicate the ash could affect routes into Delhi and Jaipur, with disruptions likely to spread to Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Punjab as the plume travels. Airlines have begun diverting and re-routing flights to avoid ash-heavy airspace; for instance, a Kannur-Abu Dhabi service was redirected to Ahmedabad to sidestep the plumes, and some aircraft were grounded for engine checks after landing in Abu Dhabi as crews await further guidance.
Regulators have moved quickly to manage the risk. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued an urgent operational advisory directing airlines and airport operators to follow the volcanic ash procedures, avoid affected altitudes and regions, and adjust flight planning and fuel reserves as needed. Dispatch teams were ordered to monitor NOTAMs and ash advisories continuously, and post-flight inspections should be conducted when aircraft operate near ash zones. The advisory also outlines the possibility of suspending or delaying operations at impacted airports if conditions deteriorate.
Beyond aviation, forecasters warn the ash cloud could have a temporary effect on air quality in Delhi as the plume shifts and disperses. With winds shifting, Delhi and other parts of northwest India may see brief air-quality fluctuations in the coming 24 to 48 hours. Travelers are urged to monitor flight statuses and heed official updates from aviation authorities as the situation evolves.
As this evolving event unfolds, airlines say they will continue to adapt schedules and routes to prioritize safety, while passengers watch for further advisories and potential delays. The situation remains dynamic, and authorities emphasize preparedness and vigilance as the plume traverses the region.
Cover image source: DGCA issues advisory for volcanic ash activity 🔗
