How Hayli Gubbi Volcanic Eruption in Ethiopia is Disrupting the Air Routes

Source: The post “How Hayli Gubbi Volcanic Eruption in Ethiopia is Disrupting the Air Routes” has been created, based on “How Hayli Gubbi Volcanic Eruption in Ethiopia is Disrupting the Air Routes” published in “Indian Express” on 26th November 2025.

UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper 2 -Governance

Context:  The recent eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia caused widespread disruptions in air traffic, including flights to India. Volcanic ash from the eruption can have severe impacts on aviation safety. Volcanic ash consists of fine particles that pose a significant threat to aircraft engines, visibility, and flight systems. Given its abrasive nature and the potential for widespread ash clouds, managing the risks associated with volcanic eruptions is a major concern for the aviation industry.

Impact of Volcanic Ash on Aircraft

1. Engine Damage:
   1. Volcanic ash is made up of fine, abrasive particles that can clog and damage aircraft engines.
   2. The particles can melt at high altitudes and form glass-like deposits inside the engine, causing severe damage, including engine failure.
   3. In some cases, as ash particles build up, they can completely stall the engine, leading to potentially catastrophic situations.
2. Visibility Issues:
   1. Ash clouds severely reduce visibility, making it difficult for pilots to see clearly. The loss of visibility can lead to navigation errors, especially when the ash is thick and widespread.
   2. Pilots rely on radar and other instrumentation to navigate safely, but ash clouds can interfere with these systems, making it more challenging to avoid dangerous areas.
3. System Failures:
   1. Volcanic ash can interfere with various aircraft systems. For example, it can clog aircraft sensors, temperature gauges, and exhaust systems, all of which are crucial for safe operation.
   2. The ash particles can also disrupt critical flight instruments and navigation systems, making it harder for pilots to maintain control of the aircraft.
4. Health Risks:
   1. Long-term exposure to volcanic ash can be harmful to passengers and crew inside the cabin, especially in cases where the aircraft flies through dense ash clouds. Respiratory issues, irritation of eyes and throat, and other health complications may arise due to the fine particles in the ash.
   2. In addition, volcanic ash can compromise the air quality inside the aircraft, which may lead to discomfort and health hazards for passengers and crew.

Past Incidents:

1. 1982 British Airways Boeing 747 Incident: A British Airways 747 encountered volcanic ash over Indonesia, causing all four engines to fail. The plane glided for several minutes before the pilots restarted the engines and made an emergency landing, raising awareness about the dangers of volcanic ash to aircraft engines.
2. 1989 KLM Boeing 747 Incident: A KLM 747 flying from Amsterdam to Tokyo flew through ash from Alaska’s Redoubt volcano, damaging its engines. The aircraft had to make an emergency landing, with over $80 million in damages, highlighting the need for improved ash detection and avoidance systems.

Regulatory Measures and Advisory Systems

1. DGCA and Global Advisory Systems:
   1. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India, as well as aviation authorities worldwide, issue urgent operational advisories when volcanic eruptions occur. These advisories warn airlines and pilots about the presence of volcanic ash and advise them to avoid flying through affected areas.
   2. The DGCA’s advisory regarding the Hayli Gubbi eruption warned pilots to immediately report any suspected ash encounters, including engine anomalies or issues like cabin smoke.\
   3. International bodies, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Meteorological Agencies, provide continuous updates and monitoring of volcanic activity, issuing alerts and flight restrictions as needed.
2. Satellite and Radar Monitoring:
   1. Volcanic ash is tracked by modern satellite systems and radar technologies. These systems help in the real-time monitoring of ash clouds, providing flight authorities and pilots with the necessary data to navigate safely.
   2. Volcanic ash clouds can travel vast distances, and advanced prediction models help in forecasting their movement, which allows for timely flight rerouting and cancellations.

Preventive Measures and Technologies

1. Engine Design Improvements:
   1. Over the years, aircraft engines have been designed to be more resilient to the effects of volcanic ash. Modern engines are equipped with features that reduce the risk of failure due to ash encounters.
   2. Aircraft manufacturers continually improve engine materials to make them more resistant to high-temperature environments, thus reducing the likelihood of engine damage in ash-prone regions.
2. Volcanic Ash Detection Systems:
   1. New technologies have been developed to better detect volcanic ash clouds. Volcanic Ash Detection Systems (VADS) use satellite imagery, infrared sensors, and other tools to monitor and track ash clouds, providing real-time data to aviation authorities.
   2. These systems help pilots avoid ash clouds by providing warnings in advance, giving them the opportunity to adjust flight paths and altitude.
3. Pilot Training and Safety Protocols:
   1. Pilots undergo specialised training to handle volcanic ash encounters. Training focuses on how to identify ash clouds, how to respond to engine malfunctions caused by ash, and how to safely navigate away from hazardous zones.
   2. In case of an ash encounter, pilots are trained to follow strict protocols to ensure the safety of passengers and the aircraft.

Conclusion: Volcanic ash is a serious hazard to aviation safety, with the potential to damage engines, impair visibility, and disrupt flight systems. However, through advancements in technology, improved monitoring systems, and better regulatory measures, the risks associated with volcanic ash can be managed effectively. International cooperation and ongoing research into volcanic ash detection systems are essential to ensuring the safety of global air travel, particularly in regions prone to volcanic activity. With continued technological advancements and comprehensive safety protocols, the aviation industry can better mitigate the risks posed by volcanic ash, ensuring safe and efficient air travel during such natural events.

Question: Discuss the impact of volcanic ash on aviation safety and the measures to mitigate its risks.