A significant volcanic eruption in Ethiopia has caused widespread disruptions to air travel across Asia and the Middle East, forcing airlines to reroute flights and authorities to monitor the situation closely. The Hayli Gubbi volcano, located in Ethiopia’s Afar region, erupted on Sunday, November 23, 2025, for the first time in nearly 12,000 years. The eruption sent massive ash clouds soaring up to 14 kilometers into the atmosphere, which subsequently drifted over Yemen, Oman, India, and northern Pakistan. One notable incident involved an Abu Dhabi-bound Indigo flight, which was diverted to Ahmedabad, Gujarat, after departing from Kannur, Kerala. The airline confirmed that all passengers landed safely and arrangements are being made to return them to their original destination. Indian authorities and airlines, including low-cost carrier Akasa Air, are actively assessing the impact of the volcanic activity on flight operations, particularly in regions like Delhi and Jaipur. Akasa Air emphasized its commitment to passenger safety, stating that it is closely monitoring the situation and adhering to international aviation advisories. The Hayli Gubbi volcano, situated approximately 800 kilometers northeast of Addis Ababa near the Eritrean border, lies within the geologically active Rift Valley, where two tectonic plates converge. The Smithsonian Institution’s Global Volcanism Program highlighted the rarity of this eruption, as Hayli Gubbi has no recorded activity during the Holocene epoch. Meanwhile, Oman issued an advisory regarding potential air quality impacts from the volcanic emissions, though no significant rise in pollutant levels has been detected so far.