Hayli Gubbi Ash Clearing Over Indian Skies by Evening; More Air India Flights Cancelled

India’s aviation network faced disruptions on Tuesday as ash from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcanic eruption continued affecting key flight corridors. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated the ash plume would clear Indian skies by 7:30 pm. IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra mentioned forecast models showing ash influence over several Indian states before drifting towards China. Airlines adjusted routes as a precaution.

The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia erupted after thousands of years, sending ash nearly 14 km high. Strong winds carried the plume over the Red Sea, Yemen, Oman, and then eastwards over the Arabian Sea into Indian airspace. IMD’s Met Watch Offices issued International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards warnings.

Air India issued an advisory canceling flights such as Chennai-Mumbai, Hyderabad-Delhi, and Mumbai-Kolkata routes for 25 November. The airline conducted checks on aircraft that had flown near affected zones. Other airlines like Akasa Air and IndiGo were also affected, with flights canceled or diverted due to unsafe conditions from the ash plume.

By Tuesday evening, much of the ash had moved northeast, improving conditions over Indian routes. The plume, positioned above 10 km altitude, was unlikely to affect surface air quality in cities. Air India assured passengers of safety and assistance with rebooking and accommodation. The ash cloud is expected to clear rapidly through the evening.