What Happened: Hayli Gubbi Eruption Sends Ash Plume Across India
On 23 November 2025, the Hayli Gubbi volcano in the Afar region of Ethiopia erupted for the first time in 12,000 years. The eruption sent a massive ash plume rising up to 14 km (45,000 ft) into the sky, moving rapidly eastward across the Red Sea and over the Arabian Peninsula.
By 24 November, the volcanic ash cloud had reached India, specifically impacting the northern states of Delhi NCR, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. The ash cloud’s presence in Indian airspace raised significant concerns about flight safety, air quality, and public health.
Flight Disruptions Due to Volcanic Ash Plume
As the volcanic ash drifted over India, major airlines including Air India, Akasa Air, and IndiGo were forced to cancel flights and reroute others to avoid the ash cloud. The DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) issued advisories for airlines to adjust their flight paths and altitudes to ensure safety.
- Air India canceled at least 11 flights due to the ash cloud’s interference.
- IndiGo and Akasa Air also faced major disruptions, particularly on international routes bound for the Middle East.
The air travel disruption primarily affected Delhi NCR and nearby airports, with flights grounded or delayed for several hours.
Impact of Volcanic Ash on Air Quality in Delhi NCR
While the volcanic ash cloud moved across Delhi, India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports confirmed that the ash remained high in the atmosphere, primarily in the upper troposphere. As a result, ground-level air quality was not as severely impacted by the eruption as initially feared. However, hazy skies were observed over parts of Delhi NCR, but no significant spike in the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded due to the volcanic ash.
Despite this, environmental experts warned that the ash could have minor long-term effects on air quality, especially if the clouds interacted with local pollution sources, such as vehicle emissions and industrial activity.
What Does This Mean for India?
- Volcanic ash plumes from distant eruptions like Hayli Gubbi can disrupt air travel across continents, as witnessed with Ethiopian volcano eruptions affecting Indian airspace.
- Delhi NCR’s air quality largely remained unaffected due to the ash staying aloft in the upper atmosphere. However, health precautions were still advised for individuals with respiratory issues, especially in areas with high pollution.
Though the Hayli Gubbi eruption was an unprecedented event, experts reassured that India’s air quality was not at immediate risk. Nevertheless, volcanic ash can cause long-term atmospheric effects like sulfuric acid formation and cooling effects on the earth’s surface in the coming months.
What’s Next? – Ongoing Monitoring and Global Impact
As Hayli Gubbi’s ash plume continues to move eastward, it is expected to clear from Indian airspace by 10:30 PM IST on 25 November, as per the IMD.
Global environmental experts are monitoring the long-term effects of the eruption, particularly the volcanic gases released into the atmosphere, which can contribute to acid rain and temporary climatic cooling. For now, the focus remains on aviation safety, as more flights across affected regions in South Asia may face delays or cancellations.
✅ Key Facts — At a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Volcano | Hayli Gubbi (Afar Region, Ethiopia) |
| Date of eruption | 23 November 2025 |
| Ash plume altitude | up to 14 km (≈ 45,000 ft) |
| Regions where ash travelled | Red Sea → Arabian Peninsula (Yemen/Oman) → Arabian Sea → Western & Northern India (Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi‑NCR, Punjab, Maharashtra) |
| Flight disruptions | Multiple domestic & international flights cancelled/rerouted by Air India, Akasa Air, IndiGo, others. |
| Indian airspace clearance time | 10:30 pm IST, 25 Nov 2025 (IMD update) |
| Impact on ground‑level air quality (Delhi‑NCR) | Ash remained aloft; no confirmed major AQI deterioration due solely to volcano. |
🔭 What to Watch Next
- Will there be any aftershocks or renewed activity from Hayli Gubbi? Geologists warn the region remains volatile. Wikipedia
- Will the drifting ash and volcanic gases have any longer‑term atmospheric effects, such as temporary cooling or sulfur‑aerosol impacts?
- For India: any late‑emerging data on air quality, respiratory health, or sky/pollution anomalies related to the ash — especially in the Himalayas or upper‑atmosphere‑sensitive zones.
- For aviation — monitoring how airlines and regulators revise safety protocols, ash advisories, and contingency plans in response to this event.