News Desk: A major disruption hit air travel on Monday after ash from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano — erupting for the first time in nearly 12,000 years — began drifting toward Indian airspace, prompting widespread flight cancellations and heightened aviation alerts.
Weather projections indicate the ash plume has already touched parts of Rajasthan and Haryana, with denser segments expected to pass over Delhi soon. While the ash remains high in the upper atmosphere, experts say it could deteriorate air quality, though ground-level ashfall remains unlikely.
Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, and KLM have cancelled a number of domestic and international flights due to the risk of engine damage and visibility interference. Akasa confirmed cancellations of flights connecting Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi on November 24–25, while IndiGo assured passengers that safety protocols would override all scheduling considerations.
BIG NEWS 🚨 Volcanic ash from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano, erupting after nearly 10,000 years, is drifting towards India 😳
Forecasts show the ash passing over Delhi, Haryana and UP at high altitudes.
DGCA has issued alerts as several flights face delays, cancellations and… pic.twitter.com/4JIbpwOFAO
— Gaurav kochar (@gaurav_kochar) November 25, 2025
India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has instructed airlines to rework flight paths, assess fuel margins for longer detours, and track real-time satellite and meteorological data. The DGCA also ordered carriers to immediately report any suspected ash exposure, including unusual engine performance, cabin haze, or odour.
Airports have been advised to be ready for emergency runway inspections and operational checks if ash contamination is detected on the ground.
Meanwhile, the eruption in Ethiopia’s Afar region has blanketed local settlements in dust and caused mild tremors near Erta Ale and Afdera. The Hayli Gubbi volcano, located roughly 15 kilometres southeast of the frequently active Erta Ale, has shown a powerful awakening after millennia of dormancy — sending ripple effects across continents.
