Hayli Gubbi Eruption Disrupts India Flights

The Ethiopia — Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia's Ethiopia — Afar Region erupted on Sunday for the first time in approximately 12,000 years, sending thick plumes of ash and gases up to 14 kilometers into the sky. The ash cloud, containing volcanic ash, sulphur dioxide, and fine particles of glass and rock, is moving at speeds of 100-120 km/h and has drifted over Yemen, Oman, Pakistan, and significantly towards India. This event has caused widespread disruption in the aviation sector, with major airlines including IndiGo, Akasa Air, Air France-KLM — KLM, and India cancelling numerous flights to and from affected regions, particularly those connecting to India and the Middle East. The India — Directorate General of Civil Aviation (India) has issued advisories to airlines and airports, instructing them to revise flight plans, adjust fuel loads, and implement safety protocols. While the eruption itself has reportedly ceased, the ash plume continues to pose a threat to air traffic at altitudes ranging from 15,000 to 45,000 feet, impacting operations and causing delays across several countries.