Aviation experts are forecasting continued flight disruptions across the Middle East and South Asia for at least the next 48 hours following the dramatic eruption of Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi Mountain. The previously dormant volcano, which had remained inactive for over 12,000 years, unleashed significant ash and gas emissions on Sunday, creating a cascading effect on regional air travel.
Travel industry executives report substantial operational challenges, with numerous flights between the United Arab Emirates and India experiencing cancellations and delays. Safeer Mohammed, General Manager of Smart Travels, confirmed the severity of the situation: ‘We anticipate these disruptions to persist for a minimum of two additional days. The volcanic activity has already significantly impacted travel plans for numerous passengers.’
The environmental consequences have extended beyond aviation, with Oman’s Environment Authority issuing official advisories regarding potential air quality deterioration due to gas and ash dispersion. Meteorological complications, including heavy fog conditions witnessed in the UAE on Wednesday morning, have further exacerbated the aviation crisis.
Raheesh Babu, COO of Musafir.com, detailed the contingency measures being implemented: ‘Our teams are actively assisting passengers with emergency rebooking procedures. We recently facilitated an urgent journey by rerouting a passenger through alternative Indian sectors followed by domestic flights. We strongly advise all travelers to verify their flight status before departing for airports.’
Insurance specialists emphasize the critical importance of comprehensive travel coverage during such natural events. Toshita Chauhan, Chief Business Officer at Policybazaar.ae, explained: ‘These situations demonstrate the essential value of travel insurance. Beyond airline reimbursements, proper coverage can address additional expenses including accommodation, meals, and transportation during unexpected delays.’
Chauhan further advised travelers to meticulously document all disruption-related paperwork, including boarding passes, cancellation notices, and expense receipts. She cautioned against selecting insurance policies based solely on price, noting that inadequate coverage often fails to address medical emergencies or trip cancellation scenarios.
Despite the widespread disruptions, travel officials note that most passengers have demonstrated patience and understanding. Industry representatives express confidence that normal flight schedules will resume within the coming days as the volcanic activity stabilizes and airspace restrictions are gradually lifted.