Indian aviation on alert as Ethiopian volcano sends ash cloud eastward

ISTANBUL

Indian air-traffic authorities are preparing for possible disruptions after a rare volcanic eruption in Ethiopia sent a massive ash cloud drifting toward the Indian subcontinent, The Hindu reported on Monday.

The Hayli Gubbi volcano in northeastern Ethiopia erupted on Sunday, marking its first recorded eruption in nearly 12,000 years.

The volcano, located near the Eritrean border, spewed dense columns of ash reaching up to 14 kilometers (9 miles) into the atmosphere before activity ceased later in the day, according to the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC).

Although the eruption itself has stopped, VAAC data show the large ash plume continues to drift eastward, having already passed over Yemen and Oman, and is now moving toward northern India.

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued an advisory urging airlines to avoid affected air corridors and altitudes, warning that volcanic ash can severely impair aircraft engines, reduce visibility, and damage avionics.

Airlines have been instructed to report any anomalies—including engine performance issues, cockpit smoke, or unusual odors—that could indicate ash ingestion.

Airports across western and northern India have also been placed on alert. Officials have been told to inspect runways for potential ash contamination and be prepared to delay or suspend operations if conditions deteriorate.

Forecasts suggest ash could drift over northwestern and central India within 12 hours.