UAE Flights Operating Normally Despite Major Volcanic Eruption in Ethiopia
In the wake of a significant volcanic eruption in Ethiopia, major UAE-based carriers have confirmed that their flight operations remain completely unaffected. Airlines including Emirates, Etihad Airways, and flydubai have all stated that their services—including crucial routes to Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa—are currently running as scheduled without any delays or cancellations.
The eruption originates from the Hayli Gubbi shield volcano, located in Ethiopia’s remote Afar Region. This event is of particular note to geologists, as the volcano had no recorded history of erupting throughout the entire Holocene era, making this a rare and significant geological event.
Widespread Ash Cloud Prompts Regional Flight Cancellations
The Hayli Gubbi volcano began erupting on Sunday, November 23, 2025, propelling substantial ash plumes high into the atmosphere. Reports indicate that these plumes reached altitudes exceeding 10 kilometres. This massive ash cloud is now drifting east and northeast, over the Red Sea and toward the southern Arabian Peninsula, posing a potential threat to one of the world’s busiest air travel corridors.
This threat has already materialized for airlines outside the UAE. Indian carriers, in particular, have been forced to issue widespread cancellations and reroute Gulf-bound flights. The ash drifting into the Arabian Sea flight paths prompted India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to issue official warnings, urging airlines to review their volcanic-ash procedures and adjust routing. In one specific instance, a flight from Kerala bound for Abu Dhabi was diverted to Ahmedabad.
Why Are UAE Flights Unaffected by the Volcanic Ash?
Despite the scale of the eruption and the disruptions seen in other regions, UAE carriers have maintained normal operations. The key reason appears to be the specific altitude and trajectory of the ash cloud.
According to aviation experts and tracking data, the ash cloud is now descending and stabilizing below typical commercial cruising altitudes. This means that flights operating at higher altitudes can safely pass over the ash without direct exposure. An aviation information provider noted that the ash is consistently being observed “below normal cruising altitude,” which likely explains why UAE-based long-haul flights have been able to continue unimpeded.
Airlines and Authorities Maintain Cautious Vigilance
While operations are normal, the situation is being closely monitored. Etihad Airways confirmed it is actively tracking weather conditions across the Gulf and Asia following the eruption. The UAE’s regulatory bodies and other aviation stakeholders are remaining alert to new developments due to the ash plume’s presence in key air corridors linking Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and South Asia.
Authorities in neighbouring Oman and Saudi Arabia have also stated they are monitoring the situation. Experts have warned that ash and sulphur-dioxide could reach Yemen and Oman, which may impact air quality and could potentially affect flight operations in those specific areas.
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Passenger Advice and Geological Significance
For passengers, the advice remains clear: safety is the highest priority. Travellers are advised to ensure their contact information is up-to-date with the airlines and to check their flight status regularly for any changes.
From a scientific perspective, the eruption of Hayli Gubbi is a momentous event. It not only highlights the active and volatile nature of Ethiopia’s Rift Valley region but also provides a unique opportunity for scientists to study a volcano awakening after thousands of years of dormancy.
In summary, while the Ethiopian volcanic eruption has triggered significant aviation disruptions in parts of Asia, the major UAE carriers—Emirates, Etihad, and flydubai—report that their flights are operating normally. Passengers travelling to or through the UAE should nonetheless stay informed of updates, as ash-cloud movement and weather patterns continue to evolve.
