A massive ash plume from Ethiopia’s long-dormant Hayli Gubbi volcano is on course to enter India’s airspace this evening, with meteorologists warning that parts of western and northern states may witness hazier, darker skies and possible disruptions to air travel.
According to IndiaMetSky Weather, the ash cloud—propelled by Monday’s explosive eruption—is expected to reach Gujarat first before spreading across Rajasthan, northwest Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab around 10 pm.
“Ash cloud is about to enter Gujarat (west side) and move towards Rajasthan, northwest Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab by 10 pm, and later it will impact the Himalayas and other regions,” IndiaMetSky Weather said.
Ash Plume Travelling at High Altitude and Speed
The plume, which originated after the volcano’s sudden activity, is travelling at 100–120 km/h and has risen to heights between 15,000 and 25,000 feet, extending up to nearly 45,000 feet in some areas. It contains volcanic ash, sulphur dioxide and fine particles of glass and rock, the agency said.
Update06:
The Ash plume mostly consists of Sulphur Dioxide with low to moderate concentrations of Volcanic Ash. Its now stretching from Oman-Arabian sea region into Plains of North & Central India. Its will not impact AQI levels but it will impact So2 level at #Hills of #Nepal,… https://t.co/f95r95mLMi pic.twitter.com/WQOOhKmyHM— IndiaMetSky Weather (@indiametsky) November 24, 2025
These particles, it added, may lead to darker, hazier conditions across the affected regions and could influence air routes. “It will impact air traffic and air routes, which will bring delays and longer travel,” IndiaMetSky noted.
A large stretch of the ash cloud has already been observed between the Hayli Gubbi region and Gujarat.
Dormant Volcano Erupts After Nearly 10,000 Years
The Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) reported that the volcanic eruption began around 8:30 am UTC on Sunday—marking the first activity from Hayli Gubbi in roughly 10,000 to 12,000 years.
While the eruption has subsided, the ash cloud continues to drift eastwards toward India, prompting meteorological agencies and aviation authorities to closely monitor its path to ensure safe air travel.
The volcano, located in Ethiopia’s Erta Ale range, sent towering plumes across the Red Sea toward Oman and Yemen before the ash shifted direction toward South Asia, Al Arabiya reported.
Airlines on Alert, No India-Linked Advisories Yet
Following the eruption, parts of the Arabian Peninsula reported volcanic ash, and airlines issued cautionary statements for passengers travelling through Middle Eastern airspace.
However, no specific advisories have been issued so far for travellers in India as the ash continues its approach.
Authorities have urged the public to remain aware of changing sky conditions and share photographs of unusual haze, as suggested by IndiaMetSky Weather.
