A massive plume of volcanic ash from the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia‘s Afar Region has triggered significant flight disruptions, forcing airlines to cancel, delay, and reroute dozens of international flights. The eruption poses a serious hazard to aircraft on major routes connecting Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, with ripple effects being felt by Indian travellers and the global aviation industry.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the flight disruptions due to the Hayli Gubbi volcano eruption in Ethiopia.
Why Volcanic Ash is a Major Threat to Air Travel
The primary danger from a volcanic eruption for aviation is not lava, but the vast cloud of ash it ejects. This ash consists of microscopic, sharp particles of rock and glass. When these particles are ingested by a jet engine, the intense heat causes them to melt and fuse onto critical components like turbine blades. This process can lead to engine stalls and catastrophic failure.
The ash cloud from Hayli Gubbi is currently drifting at high altitudes of 30,000-40,000 feet, directly intersecting the cruising altitude of most commercial long-haul flights. In response, aviation authorities have established a no-fly zone over the affected area, creating a domino effect of delays and cancellations worldwide.
How the Ash Cloud Impacts Major Flight Routes
The location of the Hayli Gubbi volcano places the ash cloud directly over a critical aviation corridor, impacting several key routes:
- Africa-India Connection: Ethiopian Airlines, a primary carrier linking India to numerous African destinations via its Addis Ababa hub, is severely affected. Passengers traveling from hubs like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru are experiencing indefinite delays and widespread cancellations.
- Europe & Middle East Corridors: Popular airlines for Indian travellers, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad, frequently use flight paths over this region. These carriers are now making significant detours, resulting in longer flight times and potential knock-on delays for routes between Europe, Asia, and North America.
- Air Cargo and Logistics: The disruption extends beyond passenger travel. This corridor is essential for air cargo, meaning delays are expected for shipments of critical goods, including pharmaceuticals and electronics.
“Airlines will not take risks with volcanic ash; safety is the absolute priority,” aviation analyst Aarti Sharma told NextMinuteNews. “The challenge is the unpredictability of the ash cloud’s movement, which is dictated by wind patterns and the volcano’s activity. This creates a highly fluid situation for flight planners.”
Advice for Affected Passengers: What to Do Now
If you are scheduled to fly through the affected region or have already had your travel plans disrupted, follow these essential steps:
- Check Your Flight Status: Before heading to the airport, confirm your flight’s status directly with your airline via their official website, mobile app, or customer service hotline.
- Contact Your Airline: If your flight is cancelled, reach out to the airline immediately to understand your options for rebooking on an alternative flight or requesting a full refund. Expect high call volumes.
- Remain Patient and Flexible: Rescheduling thousands of passengers and rerouting aircraft is a massive logistical operation. Delays and changes are inevitable.
- Understand Your Rights: Per DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) regulations, airlines must offer an alternate flight or a full refund for cancellations. Familiarize yourself with your specific carrier’s policy regarding “extraordinary circumstances” like this.
The situation remains volatile as authorities monitor the ash cloud. The global aviation network is preparing for several more days of significant disruption from the Hayli Gubbi volcano eruption.
