Hayli Gubbi Eruption: Ash Cloud Prompts DGCA Advisory, Impacts Flight Operations
A volcanic eruption at Hayli Gubbi in Ethiopia has sent ash clouds drifting towards India, prompting the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to issue a safety advisory to airlines. The long-dormant volcano, located in northern Ethiopia, erupted on Sunday, November 23, 2025, for the first time in nearly 10,000 years, sending ash plumes across the Red Sea towards Yemen and Oman before reaching India.
The DGCA has directed airlines to avoid altitudes and regions affected by the drifting ash clouds. The advisory asks airlines to strictly avoid published volcanic ash affected areas and flight levels. Airlines are instructed to adjust flight planning, routing, and fuel considerations based on the latest advisories from the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Furthermore, airlines have been asked to immediately report any suspected ash encounter, including engine performance anomalies or cabin smoke/odour. The aviation regulator has also advised airlines to suspend operations until contamination is cleared.
According to IndiaMetSky Weather, the ash cloud is expected to enter parts of western India and move across several northern states. The cloud is predicted to reach Gujarat, Rajasthan, northwest Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab. The meteorological service also indicated that the cloud is expected to impact the Himalayas and other regions. The ash plume is reportedly moving at a speed of 100-120 km/h towards North India. Visuals from Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi showed multiple flights delayed while operations continued under heightened caution.
Several airlines, including Akasa Air, IndiGo, and KLM, have cancelled flights on routes crossing the affected corridor. Air India flight AI 358 from Delhi to Tokyo was stopped just before takeoff due to reports of ash clouds reaching Delhi. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines cancelled its Amsterdam-Delhi service (KL 871) and the return Delhi-Amsterdam flight (KL 872).
Air India stated that its services have not faced any significant disruption and that they are closely monitoring the situation and remain in constant touch with their operating crew. IndiGo has also stated they are closely tracking the situation in coordination with international aviation bodies and are fully prepared with all necessary precautions to ensure safe and reliable operations.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport Mumbai issued a passenger advisory, stating that the volcanic eruption in Ethiopia has affected airspace over parts of West Asia, which may impact some international routes. Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for flight status updates before heading to the airport.
The Hayli Gubbi volcano's eruption sent a thick plume of smoke and volcanic ash approximately 15 km into the sky. Volcanic ash can cause significant damage to aircraft engines, potentially leading to engine failure. The abrasive particles in the ash can also damage the aircraft's fuselage and cause sensor failures. The DGCA has asked airlines to conduct post-flight engine and airframe inspections for aircraft operating in the affected areas.
