Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi Volcano Erupts After 12,000 Years, Ash Drifts Towards India

In a rare geological event, the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia—dormant for around 12,000 years—erupted suddenly on Sunday, sending massive plumes of volcanic ash into the upper atmosphere. The ash clouds have travelled thousands of kilometres, now drifting toward northern India and Pakistan, affecting international air traffic and triggering alerts from aviation authorities.

The event has prompted India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and multiple airlines to issue advisories, while meteorological agencies monitor the evolving plume trajectory.

Where is Hayli Gubbi and Why It Matters

The Hayli Gubbi volcano is located in Ethiopia’s Rift Valley, part of the Erta Ale Range, known for its tectonic activity.

Key points

• The volcano last erupted approximately 10,000–12,000 years ago
• The eruption occurred at 8:30 AM UTC (13:30 IST)
• Volcanic ash rose to heights of 14 km, making it a hazard for high-altitude air routes

Due to its location and intensity, the eruption affects air corridors connecting East Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia—vital routes for international air travel.

What is a Volcanic Ash Cloud?

An ash cloud is formed when volcanic material is explosively ejected into the atmosphere during an eruption. It consists of,

• Fine ash particles
• Volcanic gases, like sulphur dioxide
• Microscopic rock and glass fragments

These clouds can rise up to 45,000 feet and travel at speeds of 100–120 km/h, disrupting aircraft systems and worsening air quality on the ground.

Regions in India Likely to Be Affected

According to IndiaMetSky Weather,

• The ash plume may enter Gujarat by evening
• Expected to reach Rajasthan, northwest Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab by 10 PM
• Eventually impact the Himalayan region

Meteorological departments and pollution monitors are closely tracking its speed, altitude, and density.

Hazards of Volcanic Ash

1. Aviation Risks

Volcanic ash is hazardous for aircraft because,

• It can melt inside jet engines, causing engine failure
• Reduces visibility for pilots
• Scratches cockpit windows and disrupts navigation systems

Historical cases like the 1982 Mt. Galunggung incident have shown that commercial planes can lose engine power when flying through ash clouds.

2. Health Risks

• Respiratory issues for people with asthma, COPD, or other conditions
• Eye and skin irritation
• Mental stress from disrupted travel and warnings

Aviation Impact and DGCA Advisory

In response to the drifting ash clouds, India’s DGCA issued an urgent advisory, warning,

• Airlines must avoid affected altitudes and airspaces
• Flight routes and fuel planning should be revised
• Continuous coordination with meteorological and aviation authorities is advised

Volcanic ash poses serious dangers to aircraft by,

• Reducing visibility
• Damaging jet engines
• Corroding sensitive avionics

Airlines Responding

• IndiGo: Monitoring the situation, ready with precautions to ensure safety
• Air India: No current disruptions but keeping watch over affected zones
• SpiceJet: Warned of potential delays for flights near Dubai; passengers asked to check flight status
• Akasa Air: Actively tracking advisories to assess regional flight risks

Airports and Passenger Alerts

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai) issued a public notice stating,

• “Volcanic eruption in Ethiopia may impact some international routes. Passengers are advised to confirm flight status before heading to the airport.”
• This precaution reflects growing concerns that the ash plume could enter Indian airspace in the coming days, depending on wind and weather patterns.

Current Plume Trajectory and Meteorological Monitoring

The Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) confirmed that while the eruption has ceased, the plume remains active and is drifting toward northern India, raising alerts across Pakistan, Yemen, Oman, and Indian skies.

Meteorologists are using satellite imagery to,

• Track ash movement in real-time
• Forecast potential impact zones over Asia
• Issue updated alerts to aviation and disaster management authorities

What You Should Do: Safety Guidelines

For General Public

• Avoid exposure to ash: Stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed
• Use N95 masks if going outdoors; they block fine particles
• If you suffer from respiratory ailments, keep medications handy
• Avoid outdoor activities if visibility is reduced or air appears hazy
• Cover water sources, food, and sensitive electronics

For Travellers

• Check flight status before leaving for the airport
• Expect possible delays, diversions, or cancellations
• Stay in contact with airlines for real-time updates

Static Facts

• Volcano Name: Hayli Gubbi
• Location: Erta Ale Range, Ethiopia (Rift Valley)
• Last Eruption: ~12,000 years ago
• Eruption Time: 8:30 AM UTC / 13:30 IST on Sunday
• Ash Cloud Altitude: ~14 km
• Regions Affected: India, Pakistan, Red Sea countries, Middle East
• DGCA Advisory: Issued to Indian carriers to reroute or adjust flights
• Airlines Monitoring: IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air, SpiceJet, KLM