A massive volcanic ash cloud from the eruption of Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano has forced widespread flight cancellations across the Middle East and India, disrupting travel for thousands of passengers. Airlines including Air India, Akasa Air, IndiGo, and KLM have suspended or diverted numerous services as the plume drifts eastward, creating unsafe flying conditions.
Widespread Flight Disruptions
Several carriers have grounded flights scheduled for 24 and 25 November as a safety precaution. Akasa Air cancelled all its flights to and from Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi, offering affected travellers a full refund or complimentary rebooking within seven days. An airline spokesperson confirmed the decision was due to “unsafe flying conditions across the affected air routes.”
Air India also announced a significant number of cancellations, including international services from Newark, New York, Dubai, and Doha to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. The airline stated its ground teams are assisting passengers with alternative travel arrangements and accommodation where necessary.
Other affected flights include an IndiGo service from Cochin to Dubai, which was grounded, and a Kannur to Abu Dhabi flight that was diverted to Ahmedabad. Dutch airline KLM cancelled its Amsterdam-Delhi and return services.
Regional Response and Safety Measures
Authorities across the region are actively monitoring the situation. In Oman, the Environment Authority activated its Environmental Emergency Centre, coordinating with health and aviation bodies after ash was detected at 35,000 feet over parts of the Arabian Sea. So far, no significant impact on public health or air quality has been reported on the ground.
In Saudi Arabia, the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) confirmed the ash cloud poses no direct threat to the Kingdom’s atmosphere. NCM spokesman Hussein Al Qahtani said advanced systems are tracking the plume around the clock and current data shows it is not drifting toward Saudi Arabia.
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has instructed airlines to report any suspected encounters with volcanic ash immediately. Airport operators have been told to inspect runways and taxiways if ash is detected.
Path of the Ash Cloud
The Hayli Gubbi volcano, located in Ethiopia’s Afar region, erupted on Sunday after being dormant for nearly 10,000 years. The eruption, which has since ceased, sent a large ash plume across the Red Sea towards Yemen and Oman before continuing its drift toward northern India. Satellite imagery showed the ash stretching from the volcano to the Indian state of Gujarat.
While the immediate eruption has ended, the residual ash continues to pose a risk to aviation. Authorities warn it can reduce visibility and cause engine damage. The aviation presence of major firms in the UAE and across the Gulf highlights the importance of these safety measures for the region’s busy airspace.
Advice for Affected Passengers
Airlines and airports are urging travellers to stay informed. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai issued an advisory warning of potential impacts on international routes and advising passengers to check with their airlines before travelling. This echoes the focus on passenger communication seen in other hubs, where authorities have worked to introduce smart services for seamless travel and information sharing.
In statements posted on X (formerly Twitter), Air India, IndiGo, and Akasa Air all confirmed they are closely monitoring the situation, reassuring customers that passenger and crew safety remains their highest priority. Travellers with bookings on affected routes are strongly advised to contact their airline for the latest flight status and rebooking options.
