Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi volcano erupts after 12,000 years; ash clouds lead to flight cancellations in Kochi and other parts of India

ADDIS ABABA: The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia, an East African country, has erupted after 12,000 years. The volcano is located in the remote Afar region, so no casualties were reported. The ash and sulfur dioxide clouds formed after Sunday’s eruption reached Indian airspace by yesterday evening.

Authorities have warned that the northern and northwestern parts of India, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Punjab, may be affected. Since volcanic ash can damage aircraft engines, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued an advisory.

Meanwhile, an IndiGo flight from Dubai scheduled to reach Kochi at 6:30 a.m. and an Akasa flight from Jeddah scheduled to arrive at 6:35 a.m. were cancelled. One outbound flight from Kochi to Dubai was also cancelled. Some late-night arrivals in Kochi may also be affected. Two flights between Delhi and Amsterdam- one in each direction- were cancelled as well.