A large ash plume from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano caused significant disruption to air travel across India and the Gulf region on Tuesday, prompting airlines to cancel or reroute multiple flights as a safety precaution. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the volcanic ash cloud is expected to clear Indian airspace by 7:30 pm IST today, November 25, 2025.
Commercial carriers, including Air India, Akasa Air, IndiGo, and several Gulf-based airlines, implemented emergency operational measures after the ash plume drifted into upper air routes commonly used for international travel. Aviation authorities emphasised that volcanic ash poses severe risks to aircraft engines and systems, making avoidance mandatory until conditions stabilize.
Air India announced cancellations and major detours affecting flights operating between India, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Akasa Air confirmed multiple cancellations across West Indian metros and Gulf destinations, citing uncertainty in ash movement patterns. Indigo and Gulf carriers also adjusted routing to maintain safe distances from the plume.
Overview of the impact on airlines:
| Airline | Operational Status | Affected Sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Air India | Cancellations and rerouting | Middle East, Europe, Africa |
| Akasa Air | Multiple cancellations | West India, Gulf |
| IndiGo | Select rerouted flights | North and West India |
| Gulf carriers | Major rerouting near India | Middle East–Asia routes |
Officials stated that the ash plume is concentrated at altitudes between 30,000 and 40,000 feet, affecting crucial flight corridors over the Arabian Sea and western India. Meteorologists expect increasing wind speeds to help disperse the ash mass gradually, allowing airspace to return to normal by evening.
Passengers have been advised to monitor airline updates closely, as residual delays may continue even after atmospheric clearance. Aviation regulators, including India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), remain in constant coordination with meteorological agencies and air navigation service providers across the region.
Experts noted that the incident highlights the vulnerability of global aviation networks to sudden geological activity. With major international airways passing through the region, even distant volcanic eruptions can disrupt travel schedules within hours.
Normal flight operations are expected to resume progressively once conditions improve, though airlines may require additional time to restore full schedule stability.
