Ash Cloud from Ethiopian Volcano Reaches Delhi, Disrupts Flights

Nov 25, 2025 – The Hayli Gubbi volcano in the Afar region of Ethiopia erupted on Sunday and sent a cloud of ash towards Delhi on Monday night triggering disruption and cancellation of flight operations from the national capital. The 10,000-year-old volcano erupted on November 23 for the first time in recorded history and sent ash into the air as high as 14 km high. The ash plume, pushed by winds moving at 100-120 km/hour, were carried over many countries, including India.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the ash plume from Ethiopia was carried across the Red Sea to Yemen and Oman and over the Arabian Sea towards Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Punjab and Haryana.

The IMD has said that, however, the Indian skies will be cleared of the ash cloud by 07:30 pm local time on Tuesday as it now moves towards China.

Meanwhile, amid concerns over aviation safety, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA has issued an advisory to all airlines to maintain precaution and carry out necessary adjustments in flight schedules.

Air India and Akasa Air have announced cancellation of some flights because of the ash over Delhi. Air India has cancelled 11 flights as it carries out precautionary checks on the aircrafts that have flown over the affected areas. Indigo and SpiceJets schedules have been affected, too

With Delhi already reeling under poor air quality, the ash over the city and the NCR region now raises fresh concerns about its adverse impact on the environment.