Flight operations between the UAE and India faced significant disruption this week after a massive ash cloud from a volcanic eruption in Ethiopia drifted into major international air routes. The ash plume, originating from the ongoing volcanic activity in the East African Rift region, forced airlines to reroute, delay, and in some cases cancel flights as a precautionary safety measure.
Aviation authorities confirmed that the ash cloud had moved into high-altitude corridors commonly used by flights connecting the Gulf region with the Indian subcontinent. Because volcanic ash can severely damage aircraft engines, sensors, and windshields, airlines operating between Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and major Indian cities immediately activated safety protocols.
Several carriers, including UAE-based airlines, issued travel advisories warning passengers about possible delays. Flights from Dubai to Bengaluru, Kochi, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai were among those affected. Some services experienced extended flight times due to longer rerouting paths designed to avoid the ash cloud’s trajectory.
Passengers reported receiving notifications about rescheduled departures, with some flights pushed several hours ahead. Airport authorities in both countries deployed additional staff to manage passenger flow, assist with rebookings, and address inquiries across terminals.
Meteorological agencies in the region noted that the volcanic ash cloud had reached cruising altitudes of 30,000 to 40,000 feet—exactly the altitude range used by long-haul flights between the Middle East and Asia. Forecast models indicated that shifting wind patterns could cause intermittent disruptions over the next 24 to 48 hours, depending on how the ash disperses.
The eruption, which began earlier this week, sent thick columns of ash and smoke high into the atmosphere. Volcanologists described the event as one of the most forceful eruptions in East Africa in recent years, with ash spreading over hundreds of kilometers. While the immediate impact on local Ethiopian communities is still being assessed, the aviation sector across Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia is experiencing downstream effects.
Airline officials emphasized that passenger safety remains the top priority and that all flight plans are being coordinated closely with international aviation regulators and meteorological agencies. They also advised travellers to check their flight status before heading to the airport, as schedules may continue to change based on the ash cloud’s movement.
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) are monitoring the situation jointly. Both regulators are sharing real-time updates with airlines to ensure swift operational adjustments.
Despite the disruptions, experts expect the impact to be temporary. As the ash cloud disperses and wind patterns normalize, airlines anticipate resuming standard flight routes. However, they caution that volcanic ash events can be unpredictable, and travellers should remain prepared for short-term delays.
The incident underscores how natural events—even those occurring far from the Gulf or India—can significantly affect global aviation networks. For now, passengers flying between the UAE and India are urged to stay updated through official airline channels until flight operations fully stabilise.
