Several international flights connected to the Cochin International Airport were cancelled following the volcanic eruption.
Published Nov 25, 2025 | 9:01 AM ⚊ Updated Nov 25, 2025 | 10:15 AM
The Hayli Gubbi volcano erupted for the first time in nearly 12,000 years.
Synopsis: Following a volcanic eruption in Ethiopia and the resulting ash clouds, flight operations have been disrupted in several parts of India, including the South. Several international flights connected to the Cochin International Airport were cancelled following the volcanic eruption.
Following a volcanic eruption in Ethiopia and the resulting ash clouds, flight operations have been disrupted in several parts of India, including the South.
The long-dormant Hayli Gubbi volcano in northern Ethiopia erupted on Sunday, 23 November. Ash plumes initially spread across the Red Sea toward Yemen and Oman, and by 11 pm on Monday, they reached Delhi and were expected to move further toward Punjab and Haryana through the night and into Tuesday.
The volcano erupted for the first time in nearly 12,000 years, sending thick plumes of smoke up to 14 km into the sky, the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) said.
Reduced visibility disrupted air traffic across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Maharashtra and Kerala. Several international flights connected to the Cochin International Airport were cancelled following the volcanic eruption.
According to Cochin International Airport Limited, IndiGo’s Cochin–Dubai service (6E1475) and its return Dubai–Kochi flight (6E1476) were cancelled due to adverse weather conditions triggered by the eruption. Its Kannur–Abu Dhabi service was diverted to Ahmedabad.
Air India cancelled its Delhi–Tokyo service and suspended its Kochi–Jeddah and Kochi–Dubai flights. Akasa Air’s Cochin–Jeddah flight (QP550) was also grounded, and the airline announced that all flights to and from Jeddah, Kuwait and Abu Dhabi scheduled for 24–25 November have been cancelled.
IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air have assured passengers that safety remains their top priority following the eruption of Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano, whose ash clouds are drifting towards parts of India.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai issued a passenger advisory, noting that “A volcanic eruption in Ethiopia has affected airspace over parts of West Asia, which may impact some international routes. Passengers are advised to connect with their respective airlines to check the status of their flights before leaving for the airport.”
On Monday, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) directed airlines to strictly avoid published volcanic ash–affected areas and flight levels, adjust flight planning, routing, and fuel considerations based on the latest advisories.
IndiGo, in a statement shared on X, said, “Following the recent eruption of the #HayliGubbi volcano in #Ethiopia, ash clouds are reported to be drifting towards parts of western India. We understand that such news may cause concern, and we want to reassure you that your safety remains our highest priority. Our teams are closely tracking the situation in coordination with international aviation bodies.”
“We are fully prepared with all necessary precautions to ensure safe and reliable operations. Our 6E teams are available across all touchpoints to support you with any assistance you may need. We will continue to monitor the developments around the clock and keep you informed of any updates to help minimise inconvenience (if any),” the statement added.
Air India also issued a statement emphasising passenger safety, saying, “Following the volcanic eruption in Ethiopia, ash clouds have been observed over certain geographical regions. We are closely monitoring the situation and remain in constant touch with our operating crew. There is no major impact on Air India flights at this time.”
Air India said the following flights have also been cancelled:
24 November
AI 106 – Newark–Delhi
AI 102 – New York (JFK)–Delhi
AI 2204 – Dubai–Hyderabad
AI 2290 – Doha–Mumbai
AI 2212 – Dubai–Chennai
AI 2250 – Dammam–Mumbai
AI 2284 – Doha–Delhi
25 November
AI 2822 – Chennai–Mumbai
AI 2466 – Hyderabad–Delhi
AI 2444 / 2445 – Mumbai–Hyderabad–Mumbai
AI 2471 / 2472 – Mumbai–Kolkata–Mumbai
Further, the airline stated that they “will take all necessary steps under our precautionary plans to ensure the safety of our passengers, crew and aircraft, which remains our top priority. Our ground teams across the network will continue to support passengers and keep them updated on their flights.”
Akasa Air also stated that they are “closely monitoring the volcanic activity in Ethiopia and its potential impact on flight operations in nearby regions.”
“Our teams will continue to assess the situation in compliance with international aviation advisories and safety protocols and take necessary actions as required. At Akasa Air, passenger safety and well-being are our utmost priority,” the airline wrote on X.
