Ethiopia’s long-inactive Hayli Gubbi volcano has erupted for the first time in nearly 12,000 years, sending massive ash clouds across the region and triggering flight disruptions thousands of kilometers away. The eruption, confirmed by the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC), marks a rare event in the Erta Ale volcanic range, where Hayli Gubbi last showed activity between 10,000 and 12,000 years ago.
Sunday’s unexpected eruption pushed towering columns of ash high into the atmosphere, carried by strong winds over the Red Sea. The drifting cloud initially moved toward Yemen and Oman before spreading further east toward India, according to reports. The suddenness and scale of the eruption have drawn global scientific attention.
As the ash reached Indian air corridors, aviation authorities ordered airlines to strictly avoid the contaminated zones. Volcanic ash, made up of microscopic, abrasive particles, poses serious risks to aircraft, including engine failure, reduced visibility, and damage to flight instruments and runways.
The ripple effect was immediate. Air India cancelled 11 flights, while other major carriers such as IndiGo, Akasa Air, and KLM also experienced delays, cancellations, or route adjustments. The disruptions added strain to already busy air traffic networks across the region.
Volcanic ash is typically categorized into three contamination levels: low, medium, and high. These classifications guide pilots on how long they can safely fly through affected airspace before risking significant damage. However, experts say the current contamination level remains unknown.
G.P. Sharma, President of Meteorology and Climate Change at Skymet Weather, explained that accurate measurement requires advance deployment of sensors and equipment. “This eruption gave no warning and no time for preparation. Without instruments in place, we simply cannot determine the exact level of contamination,” he noted.
Although monitoring agencies continue to track the movement of the ash cloud, uncertainties remain about how long the impact on aviation will persist. Authorities in Ethiopia and international experts are also watching the volcano closely for signs of continued activity.
