For the first time in recorded history, that is thousands of years, a volcano in northeastern Ethiopia has erupted, creating a rare and dramatic scene in the region.

The eruption released dense ash plumes rising up to 14 kilometres into the sky, spreading across the Red Sea and moving in the direction of Yemen and Oman. The incident took place at the Hayli Gubbi volcano, located in the earthquake-prone Afar region, almost 800 kilometres northeast of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. The eruption was recorded on the morning of 23rd November at 8:30 am.

The nearby village of Afdera was also covered in ash as the explosion continued for several hours. Although reports confirmed that no one was injured, experts noted that the eruption might affect cattle herders living close to the site. The volcano, which rises around 500 meters, sits inside the Rift Valley, a region known for intense geological activity where major tectonic plates meet. According to scientific estimates, the last eruption of Hayli Gubbi may have occurred between 10,000 and 12,000 years ago, making this latest activity extremely unusual.

A local witness recalled hearing a strong blast and experiencing what he described as a “shock wave”. He added, “It felt like a sudden bomb had been thrown with smoke and ash.” Many people travelling toward the Danakil desert, a popular tourist area, were left stranded in Afdera due to the sudden ash fall and reduced visibility. The Smithsonian Institution’s Global Volcanism Program confirmed that Hayli Gubbi has shown no known activity throughout the Holocene era, which began around 12,000 years ago. As volcanologist Simon Carn from Michigan Technological University explained, the volcano “has no record of Holocene eruptions.”

Experts classify Hayli Gubbi as a shield volcano, similar in structure to Mauna Loa in Hawaii. These volcanoes are usually known for steady lava flows instead of massive ash clouds. That is why the scientific community expressed surprise at the scale of this eruption. Earth scientist Juliet Biggs from the University of Bristol said, “To see a big eruption column, like a big umbrella cloud, is really rare in this area,” according to a report from Scientific American.

The Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) reported that ash clouds from the eruption travelled far beyond East Africa. The ash drifted toward northern Pakistan and India, while parts of southwestern Arabia—including Yemen and Oman—were also expected to face the impact. Weather specialists tracking the plume stated that it first entered India through western Rajasthan. By the late evening of 24th November, portions of Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan recorded the presence of the ash cloud. Forecasts predicted that the ash would reach Gujarat by 10 pm, then pass through northwest Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab before eventually affecting the Himalayan region. The ash plume finally continued its movement into China from northern India.

Indian authorities issued an advisory urging people not to panic and to take basic precautions. The message stated, “just wear a mask and AQI levels will be somewhat impacted but plume is mostly in lower-mid atmosphere and going up. Expected Flight delays and changes in flight plans if based in Mumbai & Delhi ATC (Air Traffic Control) IFR (Instrument Flight Rules). The sky may look like a duststorm is in progress.” This advisory indicated that although the ash was mostly at higher altitudes, flight operations were likely to see disruptions.

DGCA issues advisory

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s aviation regulator, issued a detailed warning to all airlines and airports about possible disruptions caused by volcanic ash drifting over northern India. The advisory noted that both the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre in Toulouse and the Airport Authority of India had issued an ash alert and an ASHTAM notification for hazardous conditions. An ASHTAM is a special message sent to aviation operators whenever volcanic ash or an eruption may pose a danger to aircraft.

DGCA instructed all flight operators to carefully review their volcanic ash protocol manuals and communicate all relevant instructions to their staff. The regulator also advised airlines to adjust their flight planning, routing, and fuel calculations based on the latest available advisories. It further reminded operators to strictly avoid all identified volcanic ash–affected zones and flight levels.

The advisory added that airlines must start internal safety risk management processes and report any possible ash-related events, including unusual engine behaviour or any smell or smoke inside the cabin. The DGCA also directed operators to continuously monitor the movement of the ash cloud using satellite images and reliable meteorological data.

Additionally, airport operators were told to inspect runways, taxiways, and aprons immediately if volcanic ash entered their facility. The advisory explained, “Depending on the contamination, the operations may be restricted, and cleaning procedures have to be completed before resuming movements.” Several airlines, including KLM, IndiGo, and Akasa Air, have already cancelled flights due to the air traffic disruption caused by the volcanic eruption.

Airlines on alert

The eruption forced the diversion of several flights operating to and from India. Ash plumes were expected to affect the skies over Delhi and Jaipur. The plume was also forecast to reach Jamnagar in Gujarat around 5:30 IST, prompting Indian aviation officials to stay on full alert. Due to the incoming ash plume, IndiGo’s Kannur-Abu Dhabi flight 6E1433 was diverted to Ahmedabad on 24th November, affecting operations in that region. An aircraft belonging to an Indian airline that landed in Abu Dhabi was also inspected for safety before it was cleared to return to India.

IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air issued public statements assuring passengers that safety remained their highest priority. IndiGo stated, “Our teams are closely tracking the situation in coordination with international aviation bodies. We are fully prepared with all necessary precautions to ensure safe and reliable operations. Our 6E teams are available across all touchpoints to support you with any assistance you may need. We will continue to monitor the developments round the clock and keep you informed of any updates to help minimise inconvenience (if any).”

Air India shared, “We are closely monitoring the situation and remain in constant touch with our operating crew. There is no major impact on Air India flights at this time. We will take all necessary steps under our precautionary plans to ensure the safety of our passengers, crew and aircraft, which remains our top priority. Our ground teams across the network will continue to support passengers and keep them updated on their flights.”

Akasa Air added, “We are closely monitoring the volcanic activity in Ethiopia and its potential impact on flight operations in nearby regions. Our teams will continue to assess the situation in compliance with international aviation advisories and safety protocols and take necessary actions as required.”

Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport also issued a public note saying, “A volcanic eruption in Ethiopia has affected airspace over parts of West Asia, which may impact some international routes. Passengers are advised to connect with their respective airlines to check the status of their flights before leaving for the airport.”

There have also been continuous reports of volcanic ash activity over sections of the Arabian Peninsula since the eruption. Although there has been no direct warning for India, airlines have issued precautionary notices for passengers travelling through the Middle East due to the changing ash movement patterns.