Ethiopian Volcano Erupts After 12,000 Years, Ash Enters Delhi Amid Toxic Air

By Admin

25 Nov, 2025

A rare geological event unfolded on Sunday as the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region erupted for the first time in nearly 12,000 years, sending shockwaves both literal and atmospheric across several countries, including India. The eruption propelled thick plumes of smoke up to 14 kilometres into the sky, triggering widespread disruptions as ash clouds travelled thousands of kilometres due to high-speed winds.

Ash Clouds Reach Delhi, Disrupting Flights

New Delhi, already in the grip of severe air pollution, witnessed a fresh environmental concern late last night when volcanic ash from Ethiopia entered its skies. The ash plume carried by 100–120 km/h high-level winds first entered Gujarat and then drifted over Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab.

While the ash did not significantly alter the AQI (air quality index), experts warned that SO₂ levels may increase, especially in the hills of Nepal, the Himalayas, and the adjoining Terai belt of Uttar Pradesh, before the plume later heads toward China.

IMD Tracks the Movement of the Volcanic Plume

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the ash clouds travelled an incredible path, moving from Ethiopia across the Red Sea to Yemen, Oman, and then over the Arabian Sea toward western and northern India. The IMD also confirmed that the ash cloud will exit Indian skies by 7:30 pm today as it continues drifting toward China.

Aviation Body Issues Advisory

India’s aviation sector faced immediate operational challenges. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued an advisory instructing airlines to strictly avoid volcanic ash–affected routes, alter flight planning, and report any suspected ash encounters, including engine anomalies or cabin odour.

Major carriers Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet were impacted.
Air India cancelled eleven flights after conducting precautionary checks on aircraft that had recently flown over potentially affected regions. Affected flights included those from Newark–Delhi, New York–Delhi, Dubai–Hyderabad, Doha–Mumbai, Dubai–Chennai, Dammam–Mumbai, Doha–Delhi, Chennai–Mumbai, and Hyderabad–Delhi.

The airline stated on X:
“We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to passengers due to this unforeseen situation beyond our control. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority.”

A Rare Eruption After the Last Ice Age

The Hayli Gubbi volcano, located within the Rift Valley a region of active tectonic activity rises about 500 metres above sea level. Residents in the Afar region described hearing a loud sound, similar to a shock wave. One resident told AP,
“It felt like a sudden bomb had been thrown with smoke and ash.”

The Smithsonian Institution’s Global Volcanism Program reports that Hayli Gubbi has had no known eruptions during the Holocene, the geological epoch that began around 12,000 years ago. The sudden eruption blanketed several nearby villages in ash, with videos circulating online showing a massive column of white smoke rising skyward, though these clips remain unverified.

Global Monitoring Continues

As ash clouds continue their journey toward China, global meteorological and aviation bodies remain on alert. The event highlights not only the unpredictability of geological forces but also the interconnected nature of atmospheric systems, where an eruption in Africa can disrupt skies and flights across Asia.