Volcanic Ash Disrupts Flights: What You Need to Know About the Latest Travel Cancellations

Published on November 25, 2025

The recent volcanic eruption of Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano, which occurred on November 23, has disrupted air traffic across parts of Africa and Asia. As a result, some flights to and from regions affected by the ash cloud have been cancelled or delayed, with major carriers providing updates on their operations. While the UAE-based airlines Emirates, flydubai, and Etihad Airways have confirmed that their flights remain unaffected, Air Arabia has had to cancel several routes departing from Sharjah.

The eruption of Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano sent ash plumes soaring up to 14 kilometers high, marking its first eruption in over 12,000 years. The volcanic ash drifted eastward across Yemen, Oman, India, and northern Pakistan, disrupting airspace and causing flight cancellations, particularly between South Asia and the Middle East. Despite these challenges, the UAE airlines have assured their passengers that services continue as scheduled, while Air Arabia has worked to manage the situation by offering rebooking and refunds to affected customers.

Etihad Airways Monitoring Situation, Ensuring Passenger Safety

Etihad Airways, the flag carrier of the UAE, stated that it is closely monitoring the situation and that flights remain on schedule despite the volcanic disruption. An Etihad spokesperson emphasized that “the safety of guests and crew remains the top priority.” The airline has reassured passengers that it continues to operate flights as normal, including services to Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. As a precaution, the airline encourages travelers to update their contact details to receive real-time flight notifications.

Etihad’s operations have remained unaffected by the volcanic ash, with all flights continuing on time. The airline’s proactive communication efforts include real-time updates via SMS and email, ensuring that passengers are kept informed in case of any changes or delays.

Emirates and flydubai Unaffected: Flights Operating Normally

Dubai-based airlines Emirates and flydubai have confirmed that their operations have not been impacted by the volcanic eruption. Both airlines have continued to operate flights to Addis Ababa and other destinations without any disruptions. In a statement, Emirates confirmed that no cancellations had been reported due to the ash cloud, with morning services from Dubai to Addis Ababa departing and arriving on time.

Flydubai echoed these sentiments, stating that all flights are operating as scheduled and that no disruptions have been experienced due to the volcanic ash cloud. Dubai Airports, which oversees the city’s air traffic operations, also provided reassurance, confirming that flights to and from Addis Ababa were operating as normal despite the volcanic activity.

For travelers using Emirates or flydubai, the airlines have advised checking the status of their flights as a precautionary measure, although both carriers reported no delays at the time of the eruption’s peak.

Air Arabia Cancels Flights Amid Volcanic Ash Disruptions

In contrast to the seamless operations of Emirates and flydubai, Air Arabia has announced the cancellation of multiple flights from Sharjah International Airport. The low-cost carrier has confirmed that services to various destinations across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia have been affected, with routes to Kuwait, Damascus, Kabul, Sohar, Islamabad, Entebbe, Doha, and Cairo all impacted. These cancellations are due to the volcanic ash cloud’s influence on airspace in the region.

Air Arabia has urged passengers affected by the cancellations to contact the airline for rebooking or refunds. The airline has also assured travelers that it is working to minimize the inconvenience and has provided assistance for those needing to make alternate arrangements.

The disruption caused by the volcanic eruption highlights the unpredictable nature of natural events and their ability to affect air travel, especially in regions with sensitive airspace. Air Arabia’s proactive response has focused on ensuring that passengers are supported during this period of uncertainty.

Ash Cloud Impact on India and Pakistan Air Traffic

The volcanic ash cloud from the Hayli Gubbi eruption has also caused disruptions in air traffic in India and Pakistan. Major Indian airlines, including Air India and Akasa Air, have experienced cancellations on routes between India and GCC countries, as well as domestic services. Mumbai Airport issued an advisory, urging passengers to check flight statuses due to potential impacts on international services.

On the other hand, Pakistani authorities confirmed that southern regions, including major cities like Karachi, will not face flight disruptions due to the volcanic ash. The northern regions, however, are more likely to see delays or cancellations as the ash cloud moves further across the region. The aviation authorities in Pakistan are continuing to monitor the situation closely and are providing guidance to passengers traveling on affected routes.

The Eruption’s Impact Eases: Ash Clouds Moving Towards China

The impact of the volcanic eruption has started to ease as the eruption itself has ceased, and the residual ash clouds are moving towards China. According to the latest update from the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC), the ash cloud is gradually dissipating and is expected to leave the South Asian airspace soon.

Environment authorities in Oman and Saudi Arabia reported detecting light ash at high altitudes but noted that there were no significant impacts on air traffic operations. As the ash cloud moves eastward, the risk of disruption to global air travel is expected to reduce in the coming days.

What Passengers Should Do: Stay Informed and Monitor Flight Status

As the situation stabilizes, travelers are advised to stay informed about any potential changes to their flight schedules. Airlines are urging passengers to check their flight statuses before heading to the airport, especially those traveling to or from destinations in Africa, the Middle East, or South Asia. With airlines such as Emirates and flydubai continuing to operate without disruptions, passengers flying with other carriers like Air Arabia should keep in close contact with their airlines for updates on rebooking options and any further cancellations.

The safety of passengers remains a priority, and airlines are working tirelessly to ensure smooth operations despite the challenges posed by natural events like volcanic eruptions. As always, travelers are encouraged to remain flexible and prepared for any unexpected changes to their itineraries.