A huge plume of volcanic ash from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano—the first eruption in nearly 12,000 years—swept across northwestern India on Monday night, triggering significant aviation disruptions and darkening skies across major cities. The ash cloud travelled at 100–120 km/hour at high altitudes, passing over Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi-NCR, Punjab and Maharashtra before drifting eastwards.
Ash Cloud Enters India at High Speed
The plume entered Indian airspace around 6.30 pm, first appearing over Rajasthan. Owing to its high-altitude trajectory, the ash raced across multiple states through the night. Satellite imagery confirmed the presence of volcanic ash, sulphur dioxide, and fine particles of rock and glass—materials known to darken skies and threaten aircraft engines.
Flight Cancellations, Diversions Begin
Aviation disruptions began within hours. IndiGo cancelled at least six flights, while Akasa Air suspended services to Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi for November 24–25. Several international flights were forced to divert. With Indian carriers unable to use Pakistani airspace for rerouting, cancellations and delays increased.
DGCA Issues ASHTAM Alert
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued an ASHTAM, a specialised volcanic ash advisory, instructing airlines to avoid affected altitudes and follow standard ash-handling procedures. Airports across the northern region were placed on high alert, with teams instructed to inspect runways and halt operations immediately if ashfall is detected.
Surface Pollution: Mixed Signals from Experts
The IMD stated that the plume, located between 10–15 km altitude, is unlikely to cause major surface-level pollution, though hazy skies and slightly higher night temperatures are expected.
However, some environmental experts warned of temporary spikes in pollution, particularly in Delhi-NCR, where the AQI already stood in the ‘very poor’ to near ‘severe’ category before the ash arrived.
A Rare Eruption Shocks the Region
The eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region sent ash up to 14 km high. Although the eruption has now stopped, the drifting plume continues to affect airspace over the subcontinent. Meteorological agencies are monitoring the situation closely as India braces for potential aviation and air-quality impacts through the week.
