Air travel between India and the Gulf faced disruption after a volcanic eruption in Ethiopia sent a massive ash plume into key flight paths. Akasa flights to Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi were cancelled, crews were placed on alert, and aircraft were rerouted to ensure passenger safetyANI reported that Akasa Air confirmed that all its flights to and from Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi on 24 and 25 November 2025 were cancelled. The airline explained that the ash drifting through these corridors created conditions unsafe for flying. Passengers were offered a full refund or free rebooking within seven days. Akasa Air added that its operational teams were closely following global aviation advisories, emphasising that passenger safety remained its top priority.
IndiGo faced similar challenges on its Gulf services. The airline suspended certain operations and diverted its Kannur to Abu Dhabi flight to Ahmedabad when the ash cloud approached controlled airspace. Both airlines noted the situation was changing rapidly, with crews working alongside international aviation bodies to minimise disruption. Other carriers serving Gulf destinations stayed on alert, ready to adjust schedules as conditions evolved.
Ash cloud
The disruption followed the eruption of Ethiopia’s Hauli Gubbi volcano, which became active for the first time in over ten thousand years. The volcano shot ash nearly 45000 feet into the atmosphere. Travelling northeast at 100–120 kilometres per hour, the plume entered key India to Gulf flight paths within hours.
Ongoing Monitoring by Airlines and Authorities
India’s aviation regulator advised airlines and airports to prepare for operational challenges and closely track the ash cloud. Meteorological authorities confirmed that the plume, more than 10 km above the ground, was unlikely to worsen Delhi’s air quality. Any local impact was expected to be short lived as the cloud continued eastwards. Airlines serving Gulf destinations continued to monitor the situation closely, coordinating with authorities to resume flights safely once conditions allowed.
