A massive ash plume from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano has caused widespread disruption to the Gulf-India aviation corridor, forcing multiple airlines to cancel or delay services. The plume, which reached an altitude of up to 45,000 feet, drifted across the Red Sea, prompting aviation regulators to issue a formal advisory.
Airlines including Air India, IndiGo, and Akasa Air confirmed the cancellation of multiple flights scheduled for November 24–25 to destinations like Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, and Jeddah as a precautionary measure against the corrosive ash, which poses a severe risk to aircraft engines. While the plume is expected to clear Indian airspace soon, the incident highlights the vulnerability of key global flight paths.
Frequent travellers and business professionals commuting between the GCC and India are strongly advised to check flight status directly with their carriers, as last-minute reroutes and logistical adjustments are expected in the coming days.
