DGCA Issues Advisory as Volcanic Ash from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi Eruption Threatens Indian Airspace
The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered airlines to brace for the impact of volcanic ash from the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia, which erupted for the first time in 12,000 years. The ash plume, reaching up to 14 km, has drifted across the Red Sea towards Yemen, Oman, and India's western border. Volcanic ash is a major safety hazard for aircraft as it can melt in jet engines, creating a glassy deposit that chokes cooling holes and leads to engine failure. Airlines have been advised to steer clear of affected altitudes and inspect runways for contamination to ensure safety.
Key Points
- The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia erupted on November 23, 2025, after a 12,000-year dormancy.
- Volcanic ash contains silicate components that melt at high engine temperatures (1,600°C) and re-solidify, causing engine stalls.
- The ash plume reached Indian airspace over Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi-NCR before moving towards China.
- Historical precedents, like the 1982 British Airways flight 747 incident, highlight the extreme danger of volcanic ash to jet engines.
Exam Facts
- Hayli Gubbi volcano is located in Northern Ethiopia.
- The ash plume reached a height of 14 km into the sky.
- The DGCA is India's primary aviation regulator responsible for safety advisories.
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