A long dormant volcano in Ethiopia’s north-eastern Afar region erupted after nearly twelve thousand years, sending ash and sulphur dioxide plumes towards India and neighbouring countries. Satellite data shows gas plumes moving across the Red Sea toward Yemen, Oman, Pakistan, and eventually India. Situated in the Rift Valley, where two tectonic plates meet, the volcano’s eruption caused ash clouds to drift over Yemen, Oman, India, and northern Pakistan.
According to the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres (VAAC), the volcanic ash is expected to impact the upper troposphere, affecting aircraft operations. Air India cancelled several domestic and international flights to conduct precautionary checks on aircraft that had flown over the eruption site. Despite Delhi facing severe air pollution, the city is unlikely to be affected as the ash remains at a high altitude.
The ash cloud, containing sulphur dioxide and fine rock particles, covers nearly 5.4 million square kilometers, moving from the Red Sea across the Arabian Sea. Satellite data recorded approximately 43.67 kilo tonnes of sulphur dioxide spread over 42,000 square kilometers on the day of the eruption. Flights in the region might experience rerouting, longer flight times, or holding patterns.
With the plume reaching heights of 15,000 to 25,000 feet and potentially climbing to 45,000 feet, it remains in the upper atmosphere, above Delhi’s AQI measurement levels. High-altitude ash is not expected to impact Delhi’s air quality, as AQI sensors track air closer to the ground. Despite the concerns raised by the eruption, the eruption’s impact on atmospheric conditions and air travel is being closely monitored.
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