By JobXDubai Team | November 25, 2025
A rare geological event in East Africa has triggered widespread disruption to air travel across the Gulf and South Asia. The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia, dormant for nearly 12,000 years, erupted on Sunday, sending massive ash plumes up to 45,000 feet into the atmosphere.
As the ash cloud drifts across the Red Sea towards the Arabian Sea and India, aviation authorities have been forced to ground flights to ensure passenger safety. If you are travelling to or from the UAE today, here is the critical information you need.
Confirmed Flight Cancellations
Multiple airlines have suspended operations on key routes connecting the UAE with India and the wider Middle East.
Air Arabia (Sharjah Hub)
Air Arabia has cancelled several flights scheduled for November 25, affecting routes from Sharjah to the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Affected destinations include:
- Kuwait (G9068)
- Doha (G9138)
- Cairo (G9343)
- Islamabad (9P741)
- Sohar, Damascus, Kabul, and Entebbe.
Air India & Akasa Air
Indian carriers have been hit hard by the drifting ash plume.
- Air India: Cancelled multiple flights linking Dubai to Hyderabad and Chennai, as well as routes from Delhi to international hubs.
- Akasa Air: Announced the cancellation of all flights to and from Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi for November 24–25.
- IndiGo: Grounded specific flights, including the Cochin–Dubai route (6E1475).
“Passenger safety remains our top priority. We are assisting affected passengers with refunds and rebooking.” — Airline Statements
The Ash Cloud Path
The eruption sends fine volcanic glass and rock particles high into the atmosphere, which can cause catastrophic engine failure in aircraft.
The ash plume initially swept across the Red Sea towards Yemen and Oman before drifting east towards Western India. While the eruption has reportedly ceased, the residual ash remains a hazard at cruising altitudes (35,000–45,000 feet).
Latest Update (09:35 AM): Analysis suggests the plume is moving away from Northern India towards China, but disruptions may persist as airlines reposition aircraft.
Regional Safety Advisories
Authorities across the Gulf have issued updates regarding air quality and safety:
- Saudi Arabia: The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) confirmed that the ash poses no direct threat to the Kingdom’s atmosphere or surface air quality.
- Oman: The Environment Authority has activated its emergency centre. While ash was detected at 35,000 feet, there is currently no significant impact on public health on the ground.
- India (Mumbai Airport): A passenger advisory has been issued urging all travellers to check flight status before departing for the airport.
What Should Travellers Do?
- Check Your Status: Do not head to the airport without confirming your flight status via your airline’s app or website.
- Contact for Refunds: If your flight is cancelled, airlines like Akasa are offering full refunds or free rebooking within 7 days.
- Monitor Updates: The situation is fluid. Winds can shift the ash cloud, potentially opening or closing airspace on short notice.
For general advice on dealing with flight disruptions, read our guide on UAE Airlines Cancel Flights: What Passengers Should Do.
Key Takeaway
The eruption of Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano has caused significant air travel disruption between the UAE and India. With major carriers like Air Arabia and Air India cancelling flights, passengers must verify their travel plans immediately. While the ash poses no health risk on the ground in the UAE, airspace safety remains the priority.
Further Reading:
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