A massive ash plume from the Ethiopian volcano eruption has swept across multiple countries and reached Delhi, leading to widespread flight disruptions and heightened aviation warnings. The Hayli Gubbi volcano, dormant for thousands of years, erupted early Sunday and sent ash thousands of feet into the sky, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Ash From Ethiopian Volcano Eruption Reaches India
The ash cloud travelled across the Red Sea, over Oman and Yemen, and entered northern India on Monday night. IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said the affected altitude ranges between 8.5km and 15km above sea level, a height commonly used by commercial aircraft.
Although Delhi’s air quality was already in the “very poor” category, experts say the ash is unlikely to worsen pollution levels. Instead, the biggest concerns relate to aviation safety. Volcanic ash can damage engines, reduce visibility, and contaminate runways, posing serious risks to flight operations.
Ethiopian Volcano Eruption Causes Major Flight Disruptions
India’s aviation regulator has instructed airlines to strictly avoid airspace affected by the ash plume. Air India cancelled 11 flights, while IndiGo, Akasa Air, and KLM also reported delays or diversions. Airlines have been told to report any suspected ash encounters, including engine anomalies, cabin smoke, or odour.
Mumbai Airport has urged passengers to check flight status before travelling. Authorities are monitoring the spread of the ash cloud closely and conducting aircraft inspections for flights operating near the affected zones.
Scientists Study the Unusual Ethiopian Volcano Eruption
Meteorologists say it is difficult to measure the exact level of ash contamination because the eruption offered no time for advance sensor deployment. Skymet Weather noted that the impact could take hours or days to clear, though IMD estimates Delhi’s skies may improve by Tuesday evening.
Experts in Ethiopia say the eruption is unusual because the Hayli Gubbi volcano had been quiet for thousands of years. Despite its intensity and loud activity, it has not triggered major seismic tremors. The volcano lies near Erta Ale, a region known for its active volcanic landscape.
Global Context and Concerns
Large volcanic ash clouds are rare but historically disruptive. In 2010, Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull eruption shut down European airspace and caused the worst global travel disruption since World War Two. While the current plume is not expected to reach that scale, aviation authorities remain cautious.
The ongoing situation underscores how a single Ethiopian volcano eruption can set off far-reaching ripple effects across continents, affecting air travel, safety planning, and international flight routes.
