Air Arabia, Etihad, Emirates and flydubai Share Latest Travel Updates After Ethiopia Volcano — All You Need to Know
Ashwini Gambo
A rare volcanic eruption in Ethiopia is sending ripples across regional air travel just as the UAE enters one of its busiest travel periods of the year. With the upcoming National Day long weekend set for December 1–2, thousands of residents are preparing to fly, making updates from the country’s major airlines especially crucial.
The eruption of Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano on November 23 disrupted aviation routes across parts of Africa and Asia, but UAE airlines have moved quickly to reassure passengers.
Etihad Airways: Flights On Schedule-
Etihad Airways confirmed that all flights remain on schedule and unaffected by the volcanic ash cloud. A spokesperson said the airline is “monitoring the situation closely” and emphasized that the safety of guests and crew is the top priority. Travellers are urged to keep their contact details updated to receive real-time notifications.
Emirates & flydubai: Operations Running Normally-
Dubai-based carriers Emirates and flydubai stated that their operations continue as usual, including services to Addis Ababa. According to both airlines, no disruptions have been reported due to volcanic ash. Airport data from Dubai also indicates flights to and from Ethiopia’s capital departed and arrived on time.
Air Arabia: Several Flights Cancelled-
Sharjah-based low-cost carrier Air Arabia announced multiple flight cancellations on November 25 due to the regional impact of the eruption. Affected destinations include Kuwait, Damascus, Kabul, Sohar, Islamabad, Entebbe, Doha and Cairo. Passengers on these routes are encouraged to contact Air Arabia directly for rebooking or refunds.
Eruption Impact Eases-
The Hayli Gubbi volcano, erupting for the first time in around 12,000 years, sent ash clouds up to 14 kilometres high. The plume drifted east across Yemen, Oman, India and northern Pakistan. Environment authorities in Oman and Saudi Arabia detected only light ash at high altitudes and confirmed no direct impact on operations.
The Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) later reported that the eruption had ceased, with remaining ash drifting toward China.
Impact on India & Pakistan Flights-
Airspace over parts of India has seen disruptions, prompting major carriers including Air India and Akasa Air to cancel multiple flights. Routes between India and GCC nations, domestic Indian services and select long-haul flights to the US have been affected. Mumbai Airport has advised passengers to check flight statuses before travelling.
Pakistan, meanwhile, stated that its southern regions are not expected to face any flight disruptions from volcanic ash.
Overall, while the East African eruption has created challenges for international aviation, UAE flights remain largely unaffected, ensuring smoother travel for residents heading out for the National Day break.
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