ADDIS ABABA, November 25, 2025: The eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano in northern Ethiopia has prompted regional monitoring across East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, as ash and sulphur dioxide drift toward Yemen and Oman. Meteorological and aviation authorities are tracking the plume amid warnings of possible environmental and health impacts. The eruption occurred on November 23 in Ethiopia’s Afar region, an area prone to tectonic activity within the East African Rift system. Satellite observations from international monitoring centres recorded ash columns exceeding 10 kilometers in height, spreading east-northeast over the Red Sea.
The Hayli Gubbi volcano, dormant for millennia, lies within the Erta Ale volcanic range, a geologically active zone that has produced intermittent eruptions over the past century. Atmospheric models indicate that prevailing winds are transporting fine ash and sulphur dioxide toward the southern Arabian Peninsula. Authorities in Yemen and Oman have begun environmental monitoring as light traces of volcanic gases are expected to reach coastal areas. The UAE’s National Center of Meteorology and Oman’s Environment Authority reported minor increases in sulphur dioxide levels, though well below thresholds considered hazardous to public health.
Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority has activated its emergency environmental monitoring system in coordination with the Ministry of Health and regional weather centers. Aviation advisories are in place for southern Arabian Sea air routes as the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre in Toulouse continues to track high-altitude emissions. No flight diversions have been confirmed, but officials remain cautious about potential hazards to aircraft engines and navigation systems caused by volcanic ash. In Ethiopia, local authorities have begun relocating residents within a 30-kilometer radius of the volcano due to risks from lava flows and noxious gases.
Omani and Yemeni authorities issue environment alerts
The Ethiopian Geological Survey has deployed field teams to assess lava movement, seismic activity, and possible secondary eruptions. Early data suggest that Hayli Gubbi’s reactivation may be linked to deeper tectonic shifts along the Afar depression, part of a rift zone where the African and Arabian plates are gradually separating. Experts in the region warn that the broader impact will depend on the eruption’s duration and intensity. Short-term eruptions generally disperse without lasting consequences, but sustained emissions could influence local air quality and regional flight operations. Environmental scientists note that sulphur dioxide can combine with moisture in the atmosphere, leading to mild acid rain and temporary visibility reduction.
Regional coordination between East African and Gulf meteorological agencies is ongoing, with data sharing to improve plume forecasting accuracy. Authorities in affected countries have urged residents to limit outdoor exposure during hazy periods and to monitor official air-quality updates. For aviation, continuous satellite and radar surveillance will guide potential rerouting decisions. The eruption underscores the transboundary effects of major geological events in Africa’s rift zone, where volcanic and seismic activity can influence weather, aviation, and air quality far beyond national borders.
Air quality tracking expands across Gulf states
As tracking continues, officials across the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula remain on alert for further developments, emphasizing preparedness and intergovernmental cooperation in response to natural atmospheric hazards. Authorities have also highlighted the importance of data transparency, real-time satellite coordination, and joint regional exercises to strengthen early warning capabilities and improve community awareness in future cross-border environmental emergencies. Experts further noted that expanding regional meteorological infrastructure and investing in advanced modeling technology could significantly enhance response times, mitigate risks to aviation, and protect public health during future large-scale eruptions. – By Content Syndication Services.