Volcanic Eruption in Ethiopia Sends Ash Cloud Across Asia, Disrupting Flights

Air traffic in northern India and parts of China hit by drifting ash plume

Earlier this week, a sudden eruption at Ethiopia’s Erta Ale volcano expelled a towering column of volcanic ash that rapidly spread eastward. Within hours, the dense ash cloud reached the skies over northern India, where airlines reported a series of flight delays and cancellations at major airports such as Delhi and Amritsar.

Air traffic controllers issued advisories warning pilots of reduced visibility and the risk of ash ingestion in jet engines. Several carriers chose to suspend operations on affected routes until the plume moved further east.

By the following day, the ash plume continued its journey across the subcontinent, entering the airspace over western China. Authorities in the provinces of Xinjiang and Gansu activated contingency plans, temporarily grounding some regional flights and rerouting others to avoid the hazardous conditions.

Experts from the World Meteorological Organization emphasized that volcanic ash can remain airborne for days, posing a persistent threat to aviation safety. They urged airlines to monitor the situation closely and to follow guidance from civil aviation authorities.