Ash clouds from Ethiopia eruption likely to clear India skies by 7:30 pm

The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia has erupted for the first time in 12,000 years, sending a massive ash cloud across regions of Africa and Asia and disrupting air travel across multiple countries. Though the eruption stopped on Sunday, the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) warned that the ash plume is now drifting toward India and Pakistan.According to forecasts, the ash cloud is expected to enter Gujarat by 10 pm on Tuesday before moving across Rajasthan, northwest Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and later impacting parts of the Himalayas. The IMD noted that the plume is travelling at altitudes of 15,000–25,000 feet, reaching up to 45,000 feet, and contains volcanic ash, sulphur dioxide, and fine particles of glass and rock.The volcanic fallout has already caused major disruptions in aviation.According to IMD's latest update, it will move towards China next, and is expected to leave India by 14:00 GMT (7:30 pm local time). Several airlines, including IndiGo, Akasa Air, Air India, KLM, and others, have cancelled or delayed flights due to safety concerns. The DGCA has issued strict advisories for airlines to revise flight paths, increase fuel buffers, and avoid contaminated airspace.Authorities confirmed that seven international flights scheduled between 1:00 am and 6:00 pm on November 25 were cancelled, while twelve more were delayed.
Akasa Air 
In a statement, Akasa Air said that it had cancelled flights to and from Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi. "Following recent volcanic activity in Ethiopia and the resulting ash plume in the surrounding airspace, our flights to and from Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi scheduled for 24th and 25th November 2025 have been cancelled," Akasa Air said. In an X post it said, "#TravelUpdate 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. At Akasa Air, passenger safety and well-being is our utmost priority."

#TravelUpdate 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…

— Akasa Air (@AkasaAir) November 24, 2025

Air India 
Air India in a post on X said, "#TravelAdvisory Following the volcanic eruption in Ethiopia, ash clouds have been observed over certain geographical regions. 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." It said that they have been cancelled flights as they are carrying out precautionary checks on aircrafts which had flown over certain geographical locations after the Hayli Gubbi volcanic eruption.In another post it said, "We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to passengers due to this unforeseen situation beyond our control. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority. "It also mentioned a list of 11 flights which were cancelled for November 24 and 25.