A massive cloud of volcanic ash from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano—erupting for the first time in nearly 12,000 years—swept across northwestern India on Monday night, affecting visibility and significantly disrupting air travel. The ash plume, travelling at speeds of 100–120 km/hour at altitudes above 10 km, crossed Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi-NCR, Maharashtra and Punjab before moving further east across the country.
The ash entered Indian airspace around 6:30 pm, darkening skies and forcing airlines to divert or cancel several flights through the evening. Although the India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that surface-level air quality impacts would likely remain limited due to the high altitude of the plume, aviation authorities cautioned that operations may be severely affected if ash descends closer to major airports on Tuesday.
Top Developments on the Volcanic Ash Event
1. Ash cloud reaches India
The plume entered Rajasthan at 6:30 pm and moved rapidly across Gujarat, Delhi-NCR and Punjab, maintaining high wind speeds of 100–120 km/hour.
2. Major flight disruptions
IndiGo cancelled at least six flights, while Akasa Air suspended services to Jeddah, Abu Dhabi and Kuwait for November 24–25. Multiple flights were diverted due to poor visibility and safety risks.
3. DGCA issues urgent ASHTAM alert
India’s aviation regulator released an ASHTAM notice advising airlines to avoid affected altitudes and follow established volcanic ash safety procedures.
4. Rerouting of international flights
As airspace restrictions increased, several international carriers rerouted their flights through Pakistani airspace. Indian carriers, however, were unable to use these routes, resulting in additional cancellations and delays.
5. IMD expects minimal surface impact
IMD’s Director-General M. Mohapatra stated that since the plume is circulating between 10–15 km altitude, major surface pollution is unlikely. However, hazy conditions and a slight increase in minimum temperatures may occur.
6. Experts warn of potential pollution spike
Environmental analysts cautioned that the ash could temporarily worsen air quality in Delhi-NCR, which was already nearing the ‘severe’ category before the plume arrived.
7. NCR air quality remains critical
Delhi recorded an AQI of 382 (‘very poor’) at 4 pm on Monday. Ghaziabad (396) and Noida (397) were also close to the ‘severe’ threshold.
8. Composition of volcanic ash
The drifting plume contains sulphur dioxide, volcanic ash, and fine rock-glass particles—substances known to reduce visibility and damage aircraft engines.
9. Airports on high alert
The DGCA directed airports to prepare for immediate inspections of runways and taxiways if ashfall occurs. Operations may be suspended temporarily if volcanic residue is detected.
10. First eruption in millennia
The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region erupted on Sunday, sending ash up to 14 km high. The Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) confirmed the eruption has paused, but the ash continues travelling toward India.
