The impact of the Hayli Gubbi volcano eruption in Ethiopia continues to ripple across international aviation routes, with Air India cancelling multiple flights and launching precautionary inspections of its aircraft. As ash clouds drift toward the western parts of India, concerns over flight safety have taken centre stage, prompting swift operational adjustments by the national carrier. The disruption has raised fresh questions about aviation preparedness, cross-border environmental events, and the broader implications of volcanic activity on global air travel patterns.

The recent eruption, which took place on November 23, 2025, in Ethiopia’s Afar region, released a large volume of volcanic ash into the atmosphere. The Hayli Gubbi volcano, situated near the Eritrean border, is known for its geological volatility, but the scale and movement of this ash plume has drawn global attention due to its potential effects on various continents. In the days following the eruption, meteorological agencies across Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia have been closely tracking the path of the drifting ash cloud. While ash clouds from volcanic events may disperse over time, their unpredictable spread and height can significantly impact aircraft engines, avionics, visibility, and air safety.

In India, Air India has been among the first airlines to take decisive action, including cancelling at least 11 flights starting November 24, 2025. These cancellations were implemented out of an abundance of caution, especially for aircraft operating in regions where traces of volcanic ash had been reported or forecasted. The airline confirmed that it is conducting detailed inspections of aircraft that recently flew over or near areas where ash plumes were detected. Such inspections typically include engine checks, airframe examinations, and filtration system assessments, as even microscopic ash particles pose risks to aviation machinery.

Volcanic ash, composed of fine particles of rock, minerals, and glassy fragments, has long been recognized as a serious hazard to aircraft. The material can melt inside jet engines due to extremely high operating temperatures, causing potential engine failure or reduced efficiency. It can also erode cockpit windows, damage sensors, and interfere with navigation and communication systems. For these reasons, global aviation protocols require airlines to avoid flying through areas affected by volcanic ash, and immediate inspections are mandated for aircraft that may have been exposed.

On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Air India announced additional cancellations:

• AI 2822 (Chennai–Mumbai)

• AI 2466 (Hyderabad–Delhi)

• AI 2444/2445 (Mumbai–Hyderabad–Mumbai)

• AI 2471/2472 (Mumbai–Kolkata–Mumbai)

These routes are major trunk lines in the airline’s domestic network, and the cancellations underline the seriousness with which the situation is being handled. Mumbai, in particular, is a focal point due to reports indicating that ash clouds from the Ethiopian eruption may drift toward the western parts of India, raising concerns about the possible impact on coastal flight paths.

Volcanic ash dispersal is influenced by multiple factors including wind speed, wind direction, atmospheric pressure, and temperature. Meteorological models have suggested that while much of the heavier ash settles relatively close to the eruption site, lighter particles can travel thousands of kilometres. In 2010, the Eyjafjallajökull eruption in Iceland caused major disruptions across Europe, grounding flights for days and impacting global schedules. The current situation, though different in scale, has prompted Indian aviation authorities and airlines to revisit those learnings and respond proactively.

Air India’s proactive approach reflects both caution and responsibility. The airline has emphasized that passenger safety remains the top priority, and operational decisions are being made after thorough consultation with aviation safety experts, air traffic management teams, and meteorological departments. Engineers and maintenance personnel have been mobilized to inspect aircraft systems, particularly the engines, compressors, and sensors that are most vulnerable to ash accumulation. Detailed documentation of all inspections is being maintained as per international aviation safety requirements.

At the same time, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) are monitoring updates from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and global agencies. The IMD has been issuing regular advisories on the movement of the ash cloud, noting that while India is not directly affected at ground level, the upper atmosphere may experience transient changes as the plume dissipates. The possibility of impact on western flight corridors makes continuous monitoring essential.

Passengers affected by flight cancellations have been advised to check status updates regularly. Air India has offered alternative arrangements, including rebooking on later flights, full refunds, or accommodations on other sectors where feasible. Customer service teams are working around the clock to assist travellers impacted by the unforeseen disruptions. The airline has also issued advisories urging passengers to arrive early at airports due to potential crowding and re-routing procedures.

The movement of the ash cloud toward India highlights how interconnected global weather events have become, with local disruptions triggered by distant natural phenomena. In the age of modern aviation, volcanic eruptions anywhere in the world can influence flight operations on multiple continents within hours. As commercial airliners operate at altitudes where ash clouds often linger, airlines must maintain strict adherence to safety protocols while ensuring minimal inconvenience to passengers.

This incident has renewed discussions about the need for enhanced volcanic ash monitoring systems, particularly in regions where traditional satellite tracking may be limited. Many experts advocate for real-time ash dispersion forecasting models shared globally among civil aviation authorities. Such tools can help airlines plan routes proactively, reducing the risk of aircraft encountering hazardous conditions.

Furthermore, the event underscores the role of international collaboration, as airlines, meteorologists, and air traffic controllers across borders work together to track environmental threats. With air travel increasingly dependent on safe and predictable atmospheric conditions, global cooperation becomes essential during natural events like volcanic eruptions, which do not respect national boundaries.

The Ethiopian authorities, along with global geological monitoring agencies, are assessing the aftermath of the Hayli Gubbi eruption. While no major damage has been reported so far, experts are analysing whether the volcano may continue to remain active in the coming days. Recurrent volcanic activity could influence ash dispersal patterns, potentially prolonging the impact on international air routes.

For Indian aviation, this situation serves as an important exercise in preparedness and crisis management. Airlines must remain adaptable, especially when external factors beyond their control influence operations. Air India’s decision to cancel flights and conduct detailed inspections demonstrates a commitment to the highest safety standards, even when doing so involves financial and logistical challenges.

Passengers have also reacted with understanding, acknowledging the importance of prioritizing safety over schedules. Many travellers have expressed appreciation for transparent communication from the airline regarding the reasons behind the cancellations and the steps being taken to safeguard operations.

As of now, meteorologists expect the ash cloud to gradually weaken and disperse in the coming days. However, aviation officials remain cautious, emphasizing that decisions regarding flight operations will continue to be made on a real-time basis. Air India, like other airlines, will assess each route and altitude pattern carefully before permitting flights through potentially affected regions.

Looking ahead, the industry may use this incident as an opportunity to bolster training for flight crews on volcanic ash avoidance procedures. Pilots are trained to identify visual cues of ash contamination and follow operational protocols to minimize risk. Ground teams are also trained to inspect airframes and engines for tell-tale signs of ash residue, ensuring aircraft remain in optimal condition.

The situation also draws attention to the need for additional research into volcanic ash behavior, dispersion mechanisms, and possible ways to better predict long-distance ash movement. Improved forecasting could significantly reduce last-minute disruptions and enhance coordination between airlines and national aviation authorities.

As the global community continues to monitor the aftermath of the Hayli Gubbi eruption, Air India’s response stands as a pragmatic and safety-first example of how airlines can handle natural disruptions. While flight cancellations are never ideal for passengers or carriers, they remain essential when safety concerns arise. With inspections underway and aviation authorities closely following the situation, India’s aviation sector is responding with vigilance.

In the days to come, authorities and airlines will likely release further information on expected flight operations, meteorological updates, and any changes in air traffic patterns. For now, the priority remains clear: ensuring safety in the skies while adapting to the evolving environmental conditions caused by the volcanic eruption in Ethiopia.

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