URGENT UPDATE: Ash plumes from the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia have forced multiple flight cancellations in India and Pakistan, creating immediate travel disruptions. This unprecedented eruption, which occurred on November 25, 2025, sent ash soaring up to 14 kilometers into the atmosphere, prompting precautionary measures from airlines.
Air India has cancelled at least 11 flights on Monday and Tuesday, while Akasa Air has scrapped several scheduled flights to Middle Eastern destinations, including Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi. These cancellations are in response to directives from India’s aviation regulator, which required checks on aircraft that flew over affected areas.
The ash cloud, which drifted across Yemen and Oman, has covered parts of northern India and is expected to move further towards China. The India Meteorological Department indicated that the ash should clear Indian skies later today, but the immediate impact on air travel has raised urgent concerns among passengers and airlines alike.
Seismologists confirm that the volcanic activity at the Hayli Gubbi site has subsided, but the fallout in the nearby Afar region is severe. Villages are blanketed in ash, creating health hazards for local residents. Abedella Mussa, an official in charge of health in the area, reported that residents are experiencing respiratory issues due to the ash, leading to the deployment of mobile medical teams to affected neighborhoods.
Local livestock also suffer from the effects of the ash cloud. Nuur Mussa, an official responsible for livestock management, revealed that many animals cannot access clean water or adequate forage, which raises concerns about their welfare.
The European Space Agency shared satellite images from the Copernicus Sentinel-5P showing the extent of the ash dispersal, confirming its broad reach across the Arabian Peninsula and beyond.
As authorities monitor the situation closely, it remains critical for travelers to stay informed about potential flight disruptions. The aviation industry is on high alert, and further cancellations may arise as the situation develops.
Passengers are urged to verify flight statuses with their airlines and remain vigilant for updates from aviation authorities. The impact of this volcanic eruption underscores the unpredictability of natural events and their capacity to disrupt daily life, highlighting the urgency of community health responses and logistical coordination in crisis situations.
