Hayli Gubbi Volcano Eruption Sparks Widespread Flight Cancellations Between India and Gulf
A sudden volcanic eruption in Ethiopia has triggered significant air travel disruptions across the Middle East and South Asia, with flights between India and the Gulf states being the hardest hit.
The Hayli Gubbi volcano, located in Ethiopia’s remote Afar region and dormant for thousands of years, erupted on Sunday, propelling a massive ash cloud 10-15 kilometers into the atmosphere. This rare geological event immediately threatened one of the world’s busiest aviation corridors.
Driven by strong upper-level winds, the volcanic ash plume traveled eastward over the Red Sea, towards Yemen, Oman, and across the Arabian Peninsula. Volcanic ash is a severe hazard to aviation, capable of causing catastrophic jet engine failure, damaging navigation systems, and reducing visibility.
Airlines Scramble: Cancellations and Mid-Air Diversions
The aviation industry reacted swiftly to the threat. While major UAE carriers like Emirates, Etihad Airways, and flydubai reported that their schedules were largely unaffected, many other airlines faced immediate operational challenges.
Airlines operating between India and the Gulf, including Akasa Air, Air India, and IndiGo, were forced to cancel, delay, or divert multiple flights. Specific impacts included:
Akasa Air cancelled its flights to and from key Gulf destinations like Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi.
IndiGo diverted a flight from Kannur to Abu Dhabi mid-air, rerouting it to Ahmedabad for safety.
Several other routes connecting Indian cities to Gulf hubs were suspended or experienced significant delays.
Safety First: DGCA Issues Strict Advisories
In response to the crisis, India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), issued immediate advisories. The DGCA instructed all Indian airlines to avoid the ash-affected airspace entirely and mandated precautionary safety checks for any aircraft that might have encountered ash.
Airports and aviation authorities across the Gulf and Middle East maintained a state of heightened vigilance. Monitoring reports suggested the ash cloud began to stabilize at lower altitudes, which may have allowed some carriers to navigate above or around the most concentrated areas of debris.
Passenger Impact and Travel Advisory
For travelers, the eruption meant sudden uncertainty. Many passengers faced last-minute cancellations, long layovers, or unexpected reroutings.
Travel agents and industry experts warn that disruptions could persist for at least another 48 hours. They strongly advise affected passengers to:
Check their flight status directly with the airline before heading to the airport.
Stay in contact with their airline for rebooking options; most are offering full refunds or free rescheduling for canceled flights.
Keep all documentation, including boarding passes, cancellation notices, and receipts, for potential travel insurance claims.
Also Read: UAE Airlines Maintain Full Operational Schedule Despite Ethiopia Volcanic Disruption
A Stark Reminder of Global Interconnectivity
The eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano is a geologically significant event, marking the end of a millennia-long slumber. More importantly, it serves as a powerful reminder of our interconnected world, where an event in a remote part of East Africa can swiftly disrupt global commerce and travel.
As aviation authorities continue to monitor the shifting ash plume, the incident underscores the aviation industry’s vulnerability to nature’s unpredictability and the critical importance of safety-first protocols.
