The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia erupted for the first time in almost 10,000 to 12,000 years, sending a massive ash plume almost 15 kilometres high. This rare event has affected several regions, including parts of India.
Below are the key impacts:
1. Flight Disruptions in India
Volcanic ash can be dangerous for planes, so airlines changed routes, delayed flights, or canceled some services.
Major impacts:
- IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air cancelled multiple flights.
- At Delhi airport:
- 7 international flights cancelled
- 12 flights delayed
- Air India also made hotel arrangements for stranded passengers.
- DGCA (Aviation regulator) issued advisories to avoid ash-filled airspace.
2. Ash Clouds Over India
The ash cloud travelled a long way from Ethiopia:
Ethiopia → Yemen → Oman → Arabian Sea → Gujarat → Rajasthan → Delhi-NCR → Punjab → Haryana → East India → Towards China
What people may see:
- Darker, hazy skies
- Reduced visibility in the upper atmosphere
- Colourful sunsets or sunrises (due to dust scattering sunlight)
3. Air Quality Impact
Experts say:
- Ash clouds are very high in the upper atmosphere, so they will not immediately worsen AQI at ground level.
- They contain sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and fine glass particles.
- Some increase in SO₂ levels may occur in the Himalayas and Uttar Pradesh’s Terai region.
Overall effect on Indian ground-level pollution is minimal or uncertain.
4. No Risk to People on the Surface
Forecasters confirmed:
- The ash plume poses no direct danger to people living on the ground.
- It is mostly between 15,000 and 25,000 feet, and may reach 45,000 feet.
5. Weather & Sky Changes
People may experience:
- Hazy or dim skies
- Longer and darker evenings
- Slight dust-like deposits (low chance)
- More colourful sunsets and sunrises
6. International Impact
- Ash activity was also observed over the Arabian Peninsula.
- Ash expected to move next to China after leaving Indian skies.
- IMD says ash will clear India by 7:30 PM (local time).
7. Airport & Airline Precautions
Airlines are:
- Changing flight routes
- Adding extra fuel due to longer flight paths
- Keeping passengers updated with advisories
- Monitoring the situation around the clock
