SRINAGAR: Aviation authorities have issued advisories to Indian airlines and airports following the eruption of Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano, warning of potential flight disruptions due to drifting ash plumes.
The volcano, erupting for the first time in 12,000 years on Sunday, sent thick ash clouds across the Red Sea, spreading over Yemen and Oman before moving towards the northern Arabian Sea. Dense plumes are now reported heading towards Delhi, Haryana, and adjoining areas of Uttar Pradesh, although experts say the ash, high in the atmosphere, is unlikely to significantly affect ground-level air quality.
Several airlines, including Akasa Air, IndiGo, KLM, and Air India, have cancelled flights in response. Akasa Air suspended operations to and from Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi on November 24 and 25.
Following the recent eruption of the #HayliGubbi volcano in #Ethiopia, ash clouds are reported to be drifting towards parts of western India. We understand that such news may cause concern, and we want to reassure you that your safety remains our highest priority.
Our teams are…
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) November 24, 2025
IndiGo reassured passengers via X that safety remains its highest priority, with teams monitoring the situation closely.
The following Air India flights have been cancelled as we carry out precautionary checks on those aircraft which had flown over certain geographical locations after the Hayli Gubbi volcanic eruption.
Our ground teams across the network are keeping passengers…
— Air India (@airindia) November 25, 2025
Air India announced the cancellation of multiple flights and said precautionary checks were being conducted on aircraft that had flown over affected regions. The airline said its ground teams were providing updates, hotel accommodation, and alternative travel arrangements for passengers. Cancelled flights included AI 106, AI 102 (New York–Delhi), AI 2204 (Dubai–Hyderabad), and others. Flights on November 25 affected included AI 2822 (Chennai–Mumbai), AI 2466 (Hyderabad–Delhi), and AI 2471/2472 (Mumbai–Kolkata–Mumbai).
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has instructed airlines to adjust flight planning and routing to avoid ash-affected areas. Operators must immediately report any suspected ash encounters, engine anomalies, or cabin smoke or odour, and inspect runways, taxiways, and aprons if operations are impacted.
Authorities continue to monitor volcanic activity closely to ensure aviation safety in India and neighbouring regions.
