A major volcanic eruption in Ethiopia has triggered significant travel disruption across parts of Asia, forcing airlines to cancel and reroute flights. The Hayli Gubbi volcano, which had been dormant for 12,000 years, erupted on Sunday, November 23, 2025, sending a massive plume of ash high into the atmosphere.
Ash Cloud Creates Regional Travel Chaos
By Monday evening, the volcanic ash from the long-dormant volcano had travelled a vast distance, crossing the Red Sea and moving through the airspace of Oman and Yemen before reaching India. This prompted immediate action from aviation authorities and airlines. Air India was forced to cancel 11 flights across Tuesday and Wednesday as a direct result of the hazardous conditions.
They were not the only carrier affected. Akasa Air also cancelled its services to key destinations including Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi, contributing to a wave of travel chaos for passengers across the region. The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) swiftly issued guidance, warning all travellers to check the status of their journeys directly with their airline.
Authorities and Airlines Scramble to Respond
In response to the crisis, the Ministry of Civil Aviation in India confirmed that only a limited number of flights required rerouting as a precautionary measure. The Airports Authority of India issued a formal notice to all aircraft operating in the affected areas. According to the India Meteorological Department, the ash cloud is now moving towards China, with Indian skies expected to clear by Wednesday afternoon UK time.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation stated it has been working in close coordination with Air Traffic Control, the India Meteorological Department, and various airlines to manage the situation. Indian airline IndiGo posted a reassurance to customers on social media platform X, stating, "We want to reassure you that your safety remains our highest priority. Our teams are closely tracking the situation in coordination with international aviation bodies." The airline pledged to monitor developments around the clock.
Unprecedented Eruption After Millennia of Silence
The scale of the eruption was substantial. Reuters reported that the initial event sent ash plumes soaring to an incredible height of 8.7 miles (14km). The country's aviation regulator has now instructed all airlines to 'strictly avoid' the affected airspace until it is declared safe. While the immediate disruption is significant, authorities are hopeful that the passing of the ash cloud will allow for a swift return to normal flight operations.
