In a dramatic geological awakening, Hayli Gubbi, a long-dormant volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region, recently erupted on, marking its first known activity in roughly 12,000 years. The eruption has sent shockwaves across the travel and tourism sectors, grounding flights, disrupting itineraries, and raising concerns for travelers across East Africa and beyond.
The eruption—which produced dense ash plumes rising thousands of meters into the atmosphere—has quickly become one of the most significant natural events of the year, drawing global attention from both scientists and travel authorities.
Airlines Struggle as Ash Clouds Drift Across East Africa
Ash clouds from the Hayli Gubbi eruption have forced major airlines to reroute or temporarily halt operations. Ethiopian Airlines, the national carrier and one of Africa’s primary aviation hubs, has confirmed cancellations on domestic routes near the Afar region and diversions for several international flights.
Airliners connecting Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia are revising flight paths to avoid ash, which poses serious risk to aircraft engines and visibility. Passengers traveling through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport are currently facing prolonged delays, schedule changes, and missed connections.
Aviation authorities say the extent of disruption will depend on wind patterns over the next few days. Meteorological teams are issuing near-hourly updates as the ash cloud continues to shift.
Tourism in Ethiopia Hit Hard Just as Recovery Gains Momentum
The Afar region—renowned for its surreal landscapes, salt flats, and active volcanic sites—has been particularly impacted. The sudden eruption has forced temporary closures of travel corridors leading toward the Danakil Depression, one of Ethiopia’s most visited adventure destinations.
Tour operators have suspended expeditions, guides have halted ongoing treks, and local hospitality businesses are reporting mass cancellations. For communities relying heavily on tourism income, the timing is especially painful, as Ethiopia’s visitor numbers had only recently begun to rebound.
Authorities stress that while lava flow from Hayli Gubbi remains contained in remote areas, all non-essential travel to Afar is discouraged until conditions stabilize.
Impact Felt in India Through Flight Delays and Travel Uncertainty
India, a key aviation partner and a major source of outbound travelers to Africa, is also feeling the effects. Several flights connecting Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru to Addis Ababa have experienced delays and rerouting, affecting onward travel to other continents.
Indian travel agencies are fielding surges in customer inquiries regarding safety, alternative connections, and refund policies. Cargo shipments routed via Ethiopia—especially pharmaceuticals and perishables—are facing temporary slowdowns.
Though the eruption poses no direct environmental threat to India, aviation disruptions are expected to continue until ash levels dissipate.
A Geological Event 12 Millennia in the Making
Hayli Gubbi, though relatively unknown globally until now, is part of the seismically active Afar Rift, where the African and Arabian tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart. This region is home to some of the planet’s most active and dramatic volcanic behavior.
What makes this eruption extraordinary is the volcano’s 12,000-year dormancy. Scientists note that a volcano’s silence doesn’t equate to extinction; magma chambers beneath ancient volcanoes can re-pressurize and reactivate suddenly.
Geological teams are now assessing whether Hayli Gubbi’s eruption may signal further tectonic activity in the region.
Important Advice for Travelers
- Check flight statuses frequently—routes may change at short notice.
- Expect delays at Addis Ababa and other East African airports.
- Avoid travel to Afar until authorities deem it safe.
- Monitor advisories from Ethiopian aviation regulators and your airline.
The unexpected awakening of Hayli Gubbi has reshaped travel patterns overnight, reminding the world of nature’s ability to surprise—even after 12,000 quiet years.
Image: This image is for illustration only- not to be considered as real image of Hayli Gubbi.
