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Ethiopia volcano eruption: DGCA asks airlines to strictly avoid volcanic ash-affected areas, altitudes

Volcanic ash can damage aircraft engines, and even cause them to fail. It has extremely abrasive particles that can also damage other parts of the aircraft's fuselage and cause sensor failures as well.

3 min readNew DelhiUpdated: Nov 25, 2025 07:18 AM IST

Volcano eruption: DGCA asks airlines to strictly avoid volcanic ash-affected areas, altitudes

It also directed airlines to adjust flight planning, routing, and fuel considerations accordingly, and immediately report any suspected ash encounter.

IN VIEW of the volcanic ash clouds from a volcano eruption in Ethiopia drifting over various countries, aviation safety regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday issued an urgent operational advisory to all Indian airlines asking them to strictly avoid volcanic ash-affected areas and flight altitudes. It also directed airlines to adjust flight planning, routing, and fuel considerations accordingly, and immediately report any suspected ash encounter, “including engine performance anomalies or cabin smoke/odour”.

According to latest reports, ash clouds from the Hayli Gubbi volcano, which erupted on Sunday after over 10,000 years, have since been moving and drifting over various countries including Yemen, Oman, Pakistan, and parts of India. The ash clouds are reported to have entered India Monday evening from Rajasthan, and are expected to drift over parts of northern, eastern, and northeastern India. The eruption had set thick plumes of smoke and volcanic ash up to 14 km into the sky.

Ethiopia volcanic eruption Live Updates

With airspace over parts of West Asia affected, some flights have been impacted. For instance, an IndiGo flight from Kannur to Abu Dhabi was diverted to Ahmedabad Monday. There have been a few flight cancellations as well.

Volcanic ash can damage aircraft engines, and even cause them to fail. It has extremely abrasive particles that can also damage other parts of the aircraft’s fuselage and cause sensor failures as well.

Flight disruptions due to Hayli Gubbi volcano eruption in Ethiopia: All you need to know

Ash billows from the first time eruption of the Hayli Gubbi Volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025. (Afar Government Communication Bureau via AP)

The DGCA has asked airlines to conduct post-flight engine and airframe inspections for aircraft operating near the affected areas, and suspend or delay operations to impacted airports if conditions worsen. They also need to monitor for engine performance fluctuations, cabin smoke or odour events, weather changes affecting ash dispersion, and ensure compliance with aircraft manufacturer recommendations and volcanic ash guidance material from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Also read | Flight disruptions due to Hayli Gubbi volcano eruption in Ethiopia: All you need to know

In the advisory to airlines, the DGCA also said that they need to brief concerned personnel and ensure full adherence to relevant procedures prescribed in operational manuals. Flight dispatchers are directed to continuously monitor volcanic ash advisories, satellite imagery, meteorological data, and ash movement forecasts.

“If volcanic ash affects an airport, the operators (airlines) may advise immediate inspection of runways, taxiways, and aprons to be conducted,” the DGCA advisory read. It added that airport operations “may be restricted or suspended” based on contamination, and cleaning procedures must be completed before resumption of operations.

Sukalp Sharma

Sukalp Sharma is a Deputy Associate Editor with The Indian Express and writes on a host of subjects and sectors, notably energy and aviation. He has over 16 years of experience in journalism with a body of work spanning areas like politics, development, equity markets, corporates, trade, and economic policy. He considers himself an above-average photographer, which goes well with his love for travel. ... Read More