How a Rare Volcano Eruption and Cyclones Redefined Global Airspace in 2025

The year 2025 will be remembered for a relentless series of natural disasters. These events caused significant disruption to global commercial aviation. According to Swiss Re, total economic losses worldwide exceeded $200 billion this year. The disasters underscored the fragility of critical infrastructure, including airports and air traffic control systems.

Volcanic Ash and Airspace Disruption

One of the most unusual events was the Hayli Gubbi volcano eruption in Ethiopia. The long-dormant volcano erupted in late November 2025. It sent ash plumes up to 14 km (9 miles) into the atmosphere. High-altitude ash clouds drifted across the Red Sea and West Asia. The plume directly impacted India's airspace on November 24.

DGCA Safety Directives

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a critical safety advisory. Volcanic ash poses a severe threat to jet engines. It can melt into a glass-like substance, causing engine failure. The advisory directed airlines to strictly avoid affected regions. Carriers like IndiGo and Air India cancelled or delayed multiple domestic and international flights. Operations at major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad were affected. The DGCA also mandated aircraft safety inspections. This was for any plane that flew near the ash cloud. Airports were also told to inspect runways for contamination.

Earthquakes and Infrastructure Collapse

Geological hazards also crippled key regional aviation hubs.

Myanmar Earthquake Airport Damage

A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck central Myanmar in March 2025. The quake caused widespread devastation near Mandalay. Mandalay International Airport (MDL) suffered severe structural damage. Reports indicated the airport's air traffic control (ATC) tower collapsed. This collapse severely hampered air traffic management. It also disrupted emergency airlift efforts. The damage rendered Mandalay's main airport unavailable for large aircraft. Aid flights had to be rerouted through Yangon.

Himalayan Seismic Vulnerability

The magnitude 7.1 Tibet Earthquake in January 2025 also shook the Himalayas. While the primary impact was humanitarian, the event underscored the region’s seismic risk. This area is a critical corridor for high-altitude commercial flights. The earthquake's tremors were felt across Nepal and northern India.

Cyclone Ditwah and Extreme Weather Impact

Cyclone Ditwah emerged as a catastrophic weather event in late 2025. It was one of Sri Lanka's most destructive natural disasters. The World Bank estimated damages at $4.1 billion, or 4% of Sri Lanka’s GDP. The storm caused widespread flooding and landslides.

South India Flight Disruptions

The cyclone’s residual system brought heavy rain to southern Indian states. This triggered flooding and waterlogging. Indian carriers, including Air India and IndiGo, cancelled over 50 flights. The cancellations affected key airports in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Chennai International Airport pre-emptively cancelled dozens of flights. This was to ensure passenger safety. The disruption rippled through domestic and international schedules. The Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed C-130 and IL-76 aircraft for aid. They also evacuated over 400 stranded Indian passengers from Sri Lanka.

Industry Outlook and Preparedness

These events highlight the growing challenge of extreme weather for commercial aviation. Regulators like the ICAO and the DGCA must adapt protocols. Airlines must enhance their operational resilience. This includes better forecasting and contingency planning. The year 2025 serves as a clear warning. Natural hazards pose a persistent and evolving threat to air travel safety and global supply chains. For more commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights.