Overview
A massive plume of volcanic ash from Ethiopia has traveled across the Red Sea, passing through Oman and Yemen, before reaching the Indian capital, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The ash has triggered widespread disruptions in flight operations across India.
The Eruption
The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia — dormant for several thousand years — erupted on Sunday morning.
The eruption sent a towering column of volcanic ash thousands of feet into the atmosphere, allowing winds to carry it across several countries and into northern India.
Impact on Flights in India
The ash cloud has caused significant disruption to air travel:
- Numerous flights were cancelled, delayed, or rerouted.
- India’s aviation regulator has directed airlines to “strictly avoid” affected airspace.
- Air India canceled 11 flights.
- IndiGo, Akasa Air, and KLM also reported disruptions.
- Mumbai Airport has urged passengers to check flight status before traveling.
IndiGo stated on X that it is monitoring the situation “in coordination with international aviation bodies.”
Atmospheric Conditions
Ash Altitude
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra reported that the volcanic ash is concentrated at altitudes between:
8.5 km (5.2 miles) and 15 km above sea level
Effects
- Temporary impact on satellite functions and flight operations
- Unlikely to affect local weather or Delhi’s air quality
- Expected to continue drifting toward China
Delhi’s air quality remained “very poor,” though this was unrelated to the ash plume.
Volcanic Ash Explained
Volcanic ash consists of tiny, abrasive particles that can:
- Damage aircraft engines
- Reduce visibility
- Contaminate runways and airfields
Because of these risks, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation has issued advisories requiring:
- Immediate reporting of any suspected ash encounters
- Inspections of aircraft operating near affected zones
- Suspension or delays of flights if conditions worsen
Unclear Contamination Levels
Experts note it is difficult to measure the exact level of ash contamination at this time.
Skymet Weather’s GP Sharma explained that ash monitoring requires advance sensor deployment, but the sudden eruption left no time for preparation.
Therefore, the contamination level remains unknown.
Contamination categories (low, medium, high) determine how long aircraft can safely operate in affected airspace.
Historical Context
Volcanic ash clouds impacting aviation are rare.
However, the 2010 eruption of Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull volcano caused massive global travel disruption.
UK and European airspace closures led to the worst aviation shutdown since World War II.
