The Haile Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia's Afar region has erupted after approximately 10,000–12,000 years. This is a rare and scientifically significant event.
The eruption spewed large amounts of gas, sulfur dioxide, and fine volcanic ash into the air, creating a massive ash plume.
The ash plume reached approximately 14 km (45,000 ft), the altitude at which most passenger aircraft fly.
The village of Afdera was affected and covered with thick ash. There were no casualties, but pastures were destroyed.
Strong winds carried the ash across the Red Sea, Yemen, Oman, and the Arabian Sea, reaching India and northern Pakistan.
Volcanic ash contains silica, which can melt and settle on the blades of jet engines, posing a risk of engine failure.
India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and VAAC issued emergency advisories. Many international and domestic flights were cancelled, delayed, or rerouted.
Airlines have been affected. Directorate General of Civil Aviation has instructed all airlines to avoid the affected high-altitude routes. Runway inspections have also been ordered for ash.
Experts say the ash is at a higher altitude. It will not have a significant impact on ground-level AQI, but the sky may appear hazy.
This is a temporary phenomenon. The ash plume is rapidly moving eastward, and is expected to completely clear Indian airspace.