Ethiopian Volcano Ash Drifts to Delhi, Flights Face Disruptions

At 11 PM on Monday, Delhi witnessed a large cloud of volcanic ash from Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi volcano. Forecasters have been tracking the cloud for a day as it shifted to the Red Sea and is now heading northwest to India at a speed of 130 kmph. 

The eruption of a long-dormant volcano occurred for the first time in nearly 10,000 years on Sunday, resulting in a thick amount of ash and sulphur in the sky. 

Take a look at this Hayli Gubbi ash video uploaded on X.

Will Ethiopian Volcano Ash Prove Hazardous?

According to weather trackers, the ash cloud first reached India over western Rajasthan. Now it's moving from the Jodhpur and Jaisalmer regions to the northeast at 120-130 kmph. 

However, the India Met Sky Weather alert states that the appearance of the sky may appear unusual for some time, but there is nothing to worry about as the floating ash is at a high altitude between 25,000 and 45,000 feet.

By evening, the ash cloud had covered other parts of Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, and a minor portion of Gujarat. 

Weather experts have warned that by night, the regions of UP's foothills and parts of Himachal could witness its effects.

They also stated that since most of the ash is at a higher altitude, it will not pose a higher risk on the ground; however, a possibility of some light precipitation of ash particles. 

On Tuesday morning, it would bring unusual colours, while Delhi's air quality will persist, regardless of the unexpected volcanic arrival. 

Airspace on Alert

The DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) has issued an urgent advisory to all Indian airlines following alerts from Toulouse, AAI (Airport Authority of India), and ASHTAM about hazardous volcanic ash in the Muscat airspace. 

As a result, IndiGo has suspended its six flights, while Akasa Air has also suspended flight services to Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi for November 24  - 25. Many other flights have also been diverted.

The regulator has issued guidelines to airlines asking them to change their routes and fuel plans. Crews are warned to avoid flying through airspace with volcanic ash. 

Pilots must report immediately if they find any unusual engine behaviour and cabin odour. 

Additionally, dispatch teams must monitor updates of NOTAMs, ASHTAM, and Meteorological information throughout the night.

The agency advised airlines on briefing the crew about the volcanic ash procedures in their operations manuals. 

Watch another video

FAQs

Q: Where is Ethiopia?

A: Ethiopia is an East African nation bordered by North Eritrea, East Somalia, South Kenya, Sudan and South Sudan. Addis Ababa is its capital city.

Q: What volcano erupts?

A: Ethiopia, also called Hayli Gubbi, has erupted recently. This long-dormant volcano erupted for the first time in nearly 10,000 years on Sunday.

Q: What effect do we see from this eruption?

A: The main effect we’re seeing from this volcanic eruption has resulted in high levels of sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere. The ash clouds have reached India, especially in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi.

Q: How far has the Ethiopian volcanic eruption travelled?

A: The ash clouds caused by the Ethiopian volcano eruption crossed through the Red Sea before reaching India within a day.

Q: Is the volcanic ash hazardous to people?

A: No, as far as claims by forecasters, the ash plumes are at a higher altitude. Hence, there won’t be a major health impact on people on the ground. 

Q: Will a volcanic ash eruption disrupt air travel?

A: Yes, it has disrupted air travel, causing diversions of several flights. Pilots are advised to avoid flying in airspace contaminated with ash caused by a volcanic eruption.

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