Volcanic Ash from Ethiopia Reaches Delhi, Airlines Warned as Flights Affected

A plume of volcanic ash from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano reached Delhi late Monday night, prompting aviation alerts and flight disruptions.

The volcano, dormant for nearly 10,000 years, erupted on Sunday, sending a thick column of ash and sulphur dioxide high into the atmosphere.

Forecasters had been tracking the ash cloud as it moved across the Red Sea toward northwest India at speeds of 120–130 kmph. The plume first entered the country over western Rajasthan and by late Monday evening stretched across Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi, with a trailing segment expected to brush Gujarat. Parts of Punjab, western Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh could also experience some impact overnight.

Impact on Weather

Meteorologists said most of the ash remains at high altitudes (25,000–45,000 feet), posing little health risk on the ground. Light ash precipitation is possible, and sunrise Tuesday may bring unusual sky colours. Air quality is expected to remain poor as usual, despite the volcanic intrusion.

Aviation on Alert

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued an urgent advisory for all Indian carriers following volcanic ash warnings from Toulouse, the Airports Authority of India, and ASHTAM alerts. Airlines were instructed to revise routes and fuel plans, avoid ash-affected airspace, monitor NOTAMs and meteorological updates, and brief crews on volcanic ash procedures. Pilots were asked to report any unusual engine behaviour or cabin odour immediately.

Though the cloud is at high altitude and unlikely to affect takeoffs or landings directly, authorities warned that its evolving path over West Asia demanded caution. The DGCA is monitoring the situation closely and preparing for potential air travel disruptions.

Flight Disruptions

Flight cancellations and diversions began Monday along affected routes. Cochin International Airport reported the cancellation of IndiGo’s Cochin-Dubai flight (6E1475) and Akasa Air’s Cochin-Jeddah flight (QP550) as a precaution. KLM cancelled its Amsterdam-Delhi (KL 871) and return Delhi-Amsterdam (KL 872) flights.

Air India confirmed that while ash clouds were observed over certain regions, there was no major impact on its flights. IndiGo and Akasa Air said they were monitoring the situation closely and implementing safety measures, while SpiceJet advised passengers flying to and from the Middle East to check flight status.

Authorities urged airlines and passengers to exercise caution as the volcanic ash plume continues to move across the region.