November 25, 2025
NEW DELHI – The volcanic ash from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi eruption drifted towards India, prompting the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to issue a safety advisory to all airlines.
The volcanic ash plumes reportedly reached parts of India, including Delhi, Punjab and Haryana.
In its advisory, the DGCA asked operators to avoid all affected regions and altitudes, stating that Volcanic Ash Advisory and an ASHTAM have already been issued by the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre and the Airports Authority of India.
The DGCA further told airlines to brief cockpit and cabin crew on their operational manuals on volcanic ash procedures.
The aviation watchdog instructed the airlines to adjust planning and routing based on the latest advisories, and immediately report any suspected ash encounter.
The airlines have also been advised to suspend operations until contamination is cleared.
In view of the DGCA advisory, several airlines, including Akasa Air, IndiGo and KLM cancelled some of their flights on routes that cross the affected corridor.
Air India flight AI 358 Delhi-Tokyo was stopped just before takeoff amid reports of ash clouds reaching national capital Delhi.
The airline said that ash clouds have been observed over certain geographical regions and that it was closely monitoring the situation.
“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,” Air India said.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines cancelled its Amsterdam-Delhi service (KL 871) and the return Delhi-Amsterdam flight (KL 872) due to the ash cloud.
SpiceJet issued an advisory, “due to a volcanic eruption in Ethiopia, volcanic ash activity has been reported across parts of the Arabian Peninsula. This may impact flight operations for aircraft flying through these regions. As safety remains our top priority, our Flight Operations and Safety teams are closely coordinating with aviation authorities and continuously monitoring ash cloud movement. Passengers travelling to/from Dubai (DXB) are advised to keep a check on their flight status.”
Akasa Air said, “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 are our utmost priority.”
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport Mumbai also issued a passenger advisory, stating, “A volcanic eruption in Ethiopia has affected airspace over parts of West Asia, which may impact some international routes. Passengers are advised to connect with their respective airlines to check the status of their flights before leaving for the airport.”
The development comes after the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia erupted for the first time in nearly 10,000 years on Sunday, sending a massive ash plume across the Red Sea toward Oman and Yemen before reaching India.