Why in the news?
The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region erupted on 23 November 2025 after nearly 12,000 years of dormancy, producing a massive ash plume rising to ~14 km (45,000 ft). High-level winds transported volcanic ash across the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula towards western and northern India, causing temporary disruption in aviation operations.
Key Facts: Location & Geological Background
Hayli Gubbi Volcano
- Type: Shield volcano
- Location: Afar Region, Ethiopia (part of the East African Rift System)
- Dormancy: Last known activity ~10,000–12,000 years ago (Holocene threshold)
- Geological Setting: Lies on the triple junction where the Arabian, Nubian, and Somali plates are diverging → high tectonic activity.
East African Rift System (EARS)
- A major continental rift zone.
- Known for active volcanism (Erta Ale, Dabbahu, Nabro, etc.).
- Possible future site of a new ocean basin due to plate divergence.
Impact on India
1. Flight Disruptions
- Several international flights cancelled or delayed (Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kochi).
- Airlines: Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air initiated precautionary measures.
- Aircraft inspections ordered for those that flew through potentially affected air corridors.
2. Airspace Management
- Civil Aviation Ministry, Air Traffic Control (ATC), and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued continuous advisories.\
- No major safety threat, but routing adjustments and cancellations made as precaution.
3. No Impact on Local Weather or Air Quality
- IMD clarified:
- Ash remained in upper troposphere.
- No impact on ground-level AQI.
- Delhi’s poor air quality is unrelated, caused by local pollution.
4. Clearance Timeline
- Ash plume expected to move completely towards China by 7:30 pm, Nov 25.
Why Aviation Avoids Volcanic Ash?
- Ash melts inside jet engines → forms glassy deposits → engine flameout.
- Damages navigation systems & windshields.
- Reduces visibility.
- Can cause stalls, loss of thrust, and total engine failure.
Relevant Organisation:
▶ Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers (VAACs) issue global alerts—here, Toulouse VAAC monitored the plume.
| Consider the following: (2024)
1. Pyroclastic debris 2. Ash and dust 3. Nitrogen compounds 4. Sulphur compounds How many of the above are products of volcanic eruptions? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) Only four |
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