Ethiopia Volcano Eruption 2025: Hayli Gubbi Erupts After 12,000 Years, Flight Cancellations & Latest Updates
In a rare and dramatic geological event, Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi volcano erupted on November 23, 2025, marking its first eruption in over 12,000 years. The eruption sent massive ash clouds soaring 14-15 kilometers (45,000 feet) into the sky, causing widespread flight cancellations across India, the Middle East, and beyond.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the Ethiopia volcano eruption – from what happened, flight status updates, safety concerns, and answers to frequently asked questions.
What Happened: Ethiopia Hayli Gubbi Volcano Eruption
The Hayli Gubbi volcano, located in Ethiopia's Afar Region, erupted at approximately 11:30 AM local time (08:30 GMT) on Sunday, November 23, 2025. This marks the first known eruption of this volcano in recorded human history – the last activity was estimated to be over 12,000 years ago, before the current Holocene Era began.
Key Facts About the Eruption:
- Date: November 23, 2025
- Time: 11:30 AM local time (08:30 GMT)
- Location: Hayli Gubbi volcano, Afar Region, Ethiopia
- Ash Column Height: 14-15 km (45,000-49,000 feet)
- Last Eruption: Over 12,000 years ago
- Casualties: No deaths or injuries reported
- Current Status: Main eruptive activity has subsided (as of Nov 25)
Where is Hayli Gubbi Volcano Located?
Hayli Gubbi is a shield volcano located in Ethiopia's Afar Region, approximately 800 kilometers (500 miles) northeast of the capital Addis Ababa. It sits near the Eritrean border and is the southernmost volcano in the Erta Ale Range.
Geographic Details:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Afar Region, Ethiopia |
| Distance from Addis Ababa | ~800 km (500 miles) northeast |
| Height | 500 meters (1,640 feet) |
| Volcano Type | Shield volcano |
| Crater Width | ~200 meters (650 feet) |
| Mountain Range | Erta Ale Range |
| Geological Setting | East African Rift System, Afar Triple Junction |
The Afar Region is one of the most tectonically active areas on Earth, where the Nubian Plate and Somali Plate are gradually separating. This makes it a hotspot for volcanic activity.
Ash Cloud Path: Where Did the Volcanic Ash Travel?
The ash cloud from Hayli Gubbi has traveled thousands of kilometers, affecting multiple countries:
| Region | Impact |
|---|---|
| Ethiopia | Local villages covered in ash, grazing lands affected |
| Yemen | Ash cloud passed over |
| Oman | Advisory issued for flights |
| Saudi Arabia | Advisory issued, some flight routes affected |
| UAE | Multiple India-UAE flights cancelled |
| Pakistan | Ash cloud reached northern regions |
| India | Major flight disruptions across Delhi, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana |
The ash cloud traveled at speeds of 100-150 kmph, crossing the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula before entering Indian airspace.
Ethiopia Volcano Eruption: Flight Status Today
The volcanic ash has caused significant disruptions to international flights, particularly affecting routes between India, Middle East, and Europe.
Air India Flight Cancellations
Air India cancelled 13 flights across November 24-25, 2025, for precautionary aircraft inspections:
| Date | Flight | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 24 | AI 106 | Newark - Delhi |
| Nov 24 | AI 102 | New York - Delhi |
| Nov 24 | AI 2204 | Dubai - Hyderabad |
| Nov 24 | AI 2290 | Doha - Mumbai |
| Nov 24 | AI 2212 | Dubai - Chennai |
| Nov 24 | AI 2250 | Dammam - Mumbai |
| Nov 24 | AI 2284 | Doha - Delhi |
| Nov 25 | AI 2822 | Chennai - Mumbai |
| Nov 25 | AI 2466 | Hyderabad - Delhi |
| Nov 25 | AI 2444/2445 | Mumbai - Hyderabad - Mumbai |
| Nov 25 | AI 2471/2472 | Mumbai - Kolkata - Mumbai |
IndiGo Flight Status
IndiGo has not cancelled flights but has experienced disruptions:
- 6E 1433 (Kannur - Abu Dhabi): Diverted to Ahmedabad
- 6E 1475 (Cochin - Dubai): Grounded
IndiGo stated it is "closely tracking the situation in coordination with international aviation bodies."
Akasa Air Flight Cancellations
Akasa Air cancelled all flights to/from the following destinations on November 24-25:
- Jeddah
- Kuwait
- Abu Dhabi
Affected passengers are being offered full refunds or complimentary rebooking within 7 days.
Other Airlines Affected
| Airline | Status |
|---|---|
| KLM | Cancelled Amsterdam-Delhi (KL 871) and Delhi-Amsterdam (KL 872) |
| Air Arabia | Multiple cancellations from Sharjah to Kuwait, Damascus, Kabul, Islamabad, etc. |
| SpiceJet | Dubai-Kochi service delayed by several hours |
| Emirates | Operating normally |
| Etihad | Operating normally, monitoring conditions |
Delhi Airport Disruptions
At Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport:
- 7 international flights cancelled
- 12 flights delayed
- Affected destinations: Hong Kong, Dubai, Jeddah, Helsinki, Kabul, Frankfurt
Local Impact in Ethiopia
Afdera Village
The village of Afdera, located near the volcano, has been significantly affected:
- Village covered in thick volcanic ash
- Residents reported hearing a loud blast – "It felt like a sudden bomb had been thrown with smoke and ash"
- Tourists and guides heading to Danakil Desert were stranded
- Grazing lands covered in ash, affecting livestock herders' livelihoods
No Casualties
Fortunately, no human casualties or livestock deaths have been reported. However, local officials are concerned about the long-term impact on grazing lands.
Regional Tremors
Vibrations and moderate tremors were felt in:
- Ethiopia's Wollo area
- Northern Tigray region
- Neighboring Djibouti
DGCA Advisory & Official Response
India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued the following instructions to airlines:
- Strictly avoid ash-affected zones
- Adjust flight paths as necessary
- Immediately report any suspected ash encounters
- Report engine anomalies or cabin odours
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has assured there is "no cause for concern" and that coordination between ATC, IMD, airlines, and global aviation agencies is underway.
Why is Volcanic Ash Dangerous for Aircraft?
Volcanic ash poses serious risks to aircraft:
| Hazard | Effect |
|---|---|
| Engine Damage | Ash can melt inside jet engines, causing them to stall |
| Windshield Damage | Abrasive ash particles can scratch and pit windshields |
| Sensor Blockage | Ash can clog pitot tubes and other sensors |
| Visibility | Ash clouds reduce visibility significantly |
| Air Quality | Sulfur dioxide and other gases can affect cabin air |
This is why airlines cancel or reroute flights when volcanic ash is detected in flight corridors.
Ethiopia Volcano Eruption vs Other Major Volcanic Eruptions
| Volcano | Location | Year | Ash Height | Flight Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hayli Gubbi | Ethiopia | 2025 | 14-15 km | Flights cancelled in India, Middle East |
| Eyjafjallajökull | Iceland | 2010 | 9 km | 100,000+ flights cancelled in Europe |
| Mount Pinatubo | Philippines | 1991 | 35 km | Regional disruptions, global cooling |
| Tonga (Hunga) | Tonga | 2022 | 58 km | Pacific region disruptions |
Current Status (November 26, 2025)
As of the latest updates:
- The main eruptive activity has subsided
- Residual ash plume continues to travel at high altitudes
- Flight operations are gradually returning to normal
- Airlines are conducting precautionary inspections on aircraft that flew through affected corridors
- Passengers should continue to check with airlines for latest updates
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What volcano erupted in Ethiopia today?
The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia's Afar Region erupted on November 23, 2025. It is located about 800 km northeast of Addis Ababa and is part of the Erta Ale volcanic range.
When did the Ethiopia volcano last erupt?
This is the first known eruption of Hayli Gubbi in over 12,000 years. According to the Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program, there are no recorded eruptions during the current Holocene Era.
Are flights from India cancelled due to Ethiopia volcano?
Yes, several airlines including Air India, Akasa Air, and IndiGo have cancelled or diverted flights due to volcanic ash in the airspace. Air India cancelled 13 flights, Akasa cancelled flights to Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi.
Is the volcanic ash cloud dangerous?
The ash cloud is dangerous for aircraft as it can damage jet engines and sensors. For people on the ground at the eruption site, volcanic ash can cause respiratory issues. However, the ash is not expected to impact weather or health in distant countries like India.
Which Indian airports are affected by the Ethiopia volcano?
Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport has seen the most disruptions, with 7 international flights cancelled and 12 delayed. Other affected regions include Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Punjab, and Haryana.
Are Emirates and Etihad flights operating normally?
Yes, both Emirates and Etihad have confirmed their flights are operating as scheduled, though they are monitoring the situation closely.
How high did the volcanic ash reach?
The ash column reached heights of 14-15 km (45,000-49,000 feet), which is well into the cruising altitude of commercial aircraft.
Is it safe to travel to Ethiopia now?
The eruption occurred in a remote area of the Afar Region. Most of Ethiopia, including Addis Ababa, is unaffected. However, travel to the Afar Region near the volcano is not recommended.
Will there be more eruptions?
Volcanic experts are monitoring the situation. The main eruptive activity has subsided, but volcanoes can be unpredictable. Scientists noted unusual underground activity in July 2025 when the nearby Erta Ale volcano erupted.
How can I check my flight status?
Check directly with your airline's website or app. You can also monitor updates from Delhi Airport, DGCA, or the airline's social media handles.
Will I get a refund for cancelled flights?
Most airlines are offering full refunds or complimentary rebooking. Check with your specific airline for their policy.
When will flights return to normal?
Flight operations are gradually returning to normal as the ash cloud disperses. Most airlines are expected to resume regular operations within 24-48 hours, pending safety clearances.
Conclusion
The Hayli Gubbi volcano eruption in Ethiopia is a significant geological event – the first eruption of this volcano in over 12,000 years. While it has caused temporary flight disruptions across India and the Middle East, the situation is being closely monitored and is expected to normalize soon.
If you have upcoming travel plans, we recommend checking with your airline for the latest flight status updates. Stay safe and stay informed!