Dubai, UAE – Air travel across several Middle Eastern, African, and European routes continues to face disruption after volcanic eruptions in Ethiopia sent massive ash clouds into regional flight corridors. Aviation experts warn that the impact on international flight operations may continue for at least two more days, as authorities assess air safety and monitor ash movement.tr
The disruption began after the Erta Ale volcano in northeastern Ethiopia erupted, spewing volcanic ash thousands of feet into the atmosphere. The ash cloud has drifted into major aviation routes used by airlines flying between the UAE, East Africa, Europe, and South Asia.
Airlines including Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, Saudia, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and Turkish Airlines have reported delays, cancellations, and reroutes due to safety concerns. Volcanic ash can severely damage aircraft engines, reduce visibility, and interfere with navigation systems, making it unsafe for flight operations.
According to the UAE-based aviation analysts, several flights connecting Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Cairo, London, and Istanbul have been affected. Some long-haul flights have also been forced to take longer alternate routes to avoid contaminated airspace, increasing travel time by up to three hours.
“Volcanic ash is among the most dangerous hazards for aircraft. Until the ash cloud disperses or settles, airlines will continue to delay or divert scheduled flights,” said Dr. Omar Al Khatib, an aviation risk expert in Dubai. He added that real-time satellite monitoring shows ash density gradually decreasing, but full clearance may take another 48 to 72 hours.
Passengers flying between UAE, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Europe have been advised to check their flight status in advance to avoid last-minute disruptions. Airlines have also issued travel advisories encouraging ticket change flexibility and date adjustments without extra charges.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and regional weather monitoring agencies are closely tracking the ash drift and altitude levels. The London Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) has also issued red alerts for certain airspaces, warning pilots and airlines to remain cautious.
Experts say that while operations may gradually resume, flight schedules may remain irregular for the next two days, especially for routes passing through northeastern Africa. Some airlines are expected to resume partial services depending on wind direction, ash dispersion, and airspace clearance.
Passengers planning international travel are urged to:
Check flight status before leaving for the airport
Allow extra time for potential delays
Consider flexible travel plans
Follow airlines’ official advisories and local airport updates
The Ethiopian Erta Ale volcano, also known as the “smoking mountain,” is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, with persistent lava flow and occasional explosive eruptions. This most recent activity has had a rare but significant impact on the aviation industry in the region.
