Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano erupted for the first time in nearly 12,000 years, sending ash across continents and disrupting flights in India, Oman, Yemen and beyond as authorities monitor its impact.
1 / 6Volcano Awakens: Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano erupted on Sunday for the first time in nearly 12,000 years, according to the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre. The long-silent volcano, rising about 500 metres in the Afar region near the Eritrean border, released ash up to 14 kilometres high. It sits in the Rift Valley, where tectonic plates meet. Experts confirmed that no previous Holocene eruptions were recorded. (Source: AP photo)
2 / 6Afar Region Impact: Local officials said the ash covered the nearby Afdera village, though no casualties were reported. Authorities warned of possible economic effects for livestock herders as animals struggle to feed on ash-coated land. Residents described a loud sound and a shock wave during the eruption. Tourist trips toward the Danakil desert halted as ash left travellers stranded. Local officials shared images of the towering plume. (AP photo)
3 / 6Ash Drifting Outward: The Toulouse VAAC observed ash clouds crossing the Red Sea toward Yemen and Oman before continuing east. Satellite images tracked the plume over India and northern Pakistan. Videos online showed a column of white smoke, though verification is pending. Afar authorities have yet to confirm displacement numbers. Scientists described the eruption as a major geological event in a quake-prone area. (AP photo)
4 / 6India Air Warnings: The ash reached Indian airspace around 6:30 pm Monday, spreading across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Delhi-NCR and Punjab at altitudes above 10 kilometres. It reduced visibility and affected evening flight operations. India’s aviation regulator DGCA, issued an ASHTAM volcanic-ash alert directing airlines to avoid affected altitudes. Airports were told to prepare for inspections and halt operations if ashfall occurred.
5 / 6Flights Disrupted: IndiGo cancelled at least six flights while Akasa Air suspended services to Jeddah, Kuwait and Abu Dhabi on November 24–25. Some international flights were rerouted through Pakistani airspace, though Indian carriers could not use those paths. Airlines warned engines face hazards from volcanic ash containing sulphur dioxide and small particles of rock and glass. Other carriers, including KLM, also cancelled services. (AP photo)
6 / 6Air Quality Concerns: Indian officials said major pollution impacts were limited because the plume travelled at 10–15 kilometres. However, experts warned ash may temporarily worsen already unhealthy air in Delhi-NCR, where AQI levels neared the severe category before the plume arrived. IMD expects only hazy skies and slight temperature changes. Monitoring continues as the massive cloud moves east across the subcontinent. (AP photo)
