Ethiopian volcano sends ash to Delhi, triggers flight alerts across India

Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano erupted on Sunday after nearly 10,000 years. As a result, it pushed a massive plume of ash and sulphur dioxide into the sky. Soon after, the cloud sped across the Red Sea and raced toward northwest India at nearly 130 kmph. By Monday night, the ash reached Delhi around 11 pm, prompting weather agencies to issue alerts.

Forecasters had tracked the plume for a full day. First, it entered India over western Rajasthan through the Jodhpur–Jaisalmer corridor. Then, it advanced toward Haryana and Delhi while a trailing segment drifted near Gujarat. Later, experts warned that Punjab, the foothills of western Uttar Pradesh and parts of Himachal Pradesh could see effects through the night.

However, scientists stressed that most ash hovered between 25,000 and 45,000 feet. Therefore, it posed little risk to people on the ground. Even so, they said light ash precipitation was possible. They also added that Tuesday’s sunrise may show unusual colours. Meanwhile, they noted that Delhi’s air quality would stay poor with or without volcanic ash.

Aviation on Alert

Soon after the plume entered Indian airspace, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation tightened safety measures. It issued an urgent advisory after global aviation agencies released volcanic-ash warnings for parts of the Muscat Flight Information Region. Then, the regulator directed airlines to alter routing and fuel plans. It also told crews to avoid ash-affected airspace at all costs.

DGCA officials asked pilots to report any unusual engine activity or cabin odour immediately. Along with that, dispatch teams received instructions to track NOTAMs, ASHTAMs and real-time weather updates. The regulator also told carriers to brief crew on volcanic-ash protocols listed in their operations manuals.

Even though the ash cloud sat at high altitudes over India, officials said its path over West Asia remained unpredictable. They prepared for possible disruptions depending on fresh advisories expected overnight and into Tuesday morning.

Volcanic Ash Disrupts Flights

Flight operations began feeling the impact on Monday. First, two international departures from Kochi were cancelled as a precaution after the eruption. Cochin airport said IndiGo’s Cochin–Dubai flight and Akasa Air’s Cochin–Jeddah service were grounded until conditions improved. Soon after, KLM cancelled its Amsterdam–Delhi flight and the return service.

Later on Monday, Air India stated that it was monitoring the ash cloud closely. It said it was working with crew teams and added that its flights had not faced major issues so far. IndiGo also said it was tracking the plume and had prepared safety measures for all operations.

Airlines with routes over the Middle East issued cautionary messages for passengers. SpiceJet said volcanic ash over parts of the Arabian Peninsula could affect flights crossing the region. It advised travellers heading to Dubai to check their flight status regularly. Akasa Air said it was reviewing advisories and would act immediately if risks increased.