How ash from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano reached India and disrupted global flights | Explained

Indian cities affected by Ethiopian volcanic ash cloud: states, health risks, and clearing time explained

The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region erupted on Sunday for the first time in nearly 12,000 years, sending thick plumes of ash and sulphur dioxide up to 15 km (nearly 9 miles) into the sky. The eruption spread ash across the Red Sea, reaching Yemen and Oman, and eventually reached northern India before dispersing into China and the Pacific.

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How the ash cloud reached India

The eruption produced a massive ash column that shot into the lower stratosphere, allowing it to travel long distances. “Forecast models indicated potential ash influence over Gujarat, Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana. IMD closely monitored satellite imagery, VAAC advisories, and dispersion models,” said the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Also read: Several flights cancelled as Ethiopian volcanic ash drifts towards India, here are the key developments

The eruption at the Hayli Gubbi volcano was powerful enough to shoot the ash plume up to 15 km (nearly 9 miles), pushing it into the lower stratosphere. At this high altitude (between 25,000 and 45,000 feet), the ash avoided the lower-level weather systems that would typically cause it to dissipate quickly.

Strong east-to-west winds and the subtropical jet stream carried the ash plume across the Red Sea, Oman, and the Arabian Sea before it reached northwestern India. By Monday night, the plume touched Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and parts of Uttar Pradesh, creating hazy skies and reduced visibility in some areas.

Global impact

Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society and a member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, stated that aviation authorities have issued warnings about the potential hazard posed to aircraft engines. Several flights over the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula have been delayed, diverted, or cancelled due to the ash clouds.

“The event offers a rare opportunity for scientists to study a volcanic system awakening after a very long period of inactivity,” Arabic newspaper Emarat Al Youm quoted Jarwan as saying.

Emissions of sulfur dioxide accompanying the eruption have raised concerns about health impacts on populations. If the volcanic gases interact with moisture, it could even result in acid rain.

Jarwan pointed out that the eruptions have already affected the air quality in several parts of the Arabian Peninsula. “Ash and sulfur dioxide have been transported toward Yemen and Oman, causing a decline in air quality and potential irritation of the eyes and respiratory system,” he said. He emphasized the importance of monitoring the movements of the plumes to reduce risks to people in the affected regions.

Akasa Air has cancelled all its international flights to and from Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi on November 24 and 25, 2025, due to hazardous volcanic ash plumes from Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi volcano disrupting key air corridors between India and the Gulf region.

The Oman Environment Authority confirmed on Monday that volcanic ash has been detected over parts of the Empty Quarter and portions of the Arabian Sea at an altitude of 35,000 feet, while reassuring the public that no significant impacts were reported.

"Air quality monitoring data from the Environment Authority also confirmed no recorded increases in air pollutant concentrations within the Sultanate... there are no risks or impacts on public health or the environment," the statement said.

Airports and flight disruptions

The eruption prompted advisories for airlines operating in affected regions. IMD’s Met Watch Offices in Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata issued ICAO-standard SIGMET weather warnings. Flights in northwestern India experienced delays, cancellations, and rerouted paths due to the ash cloud.

Also read: Ethiopian ash cloud races towards India; Akasa Air, IndiGo, KLM sound safety alarms

Experts clarified that while the ash affected visibility at high altitudes, it posed no major risk at ground level. “The plume does not possess any significant risk at the surface, and AQI levels will remain in the usual range, but there are low chances for some ash fall. The ash cloud is between 25,000 and 45,000 feet above surface levels,” IndiaMetSky Weather noted.
Health risks of volcanic ash

Volcanic ash is more than ordinary dust. Composed of pulverized rock, glass, acidic compounds, and gases like sulphur dioxide, fine ash can irritate lungs, worsen asthma or bronchitis, and trigger other respiratory issues.

Also read: ‘Felt like a bomb’: Eyewitness recalls Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano eruption

Sunil Dahiya, founder and lead analyst of think tank EnviroCatalysts, told TOI, “As the volcanic ash passes over Delhi, it may trigger a sudden spike in pollution levels, potentially worsening air quality.”

Despite this, experts say Delhi’s air quality is unlikely to experience major deterioration; however, the sky may appear darker and hazier as the ash cloud passes overhead.
IMD: Ash cloud to clear India by Tuesday evening

According to IMD forecasts, the ash clouds that spread over northwest India are expected to clear by 7:30 pm on Tuesday. The plume will rise higher into the upper atmosphere, where finer particles will remain for a few days before drifting toward the Pacific Ocean along the subtropical jet stream.

Areas most affected in India

• Jaipur
• Jamnagar
• Delhi-NCR
• Parts of Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Western Maharashtra

The volcanic ash is expected to leave India soon, but it may continue to create colorful sunrises and sunsets in the affected regions due to fine particles in the upper atmosphere.