ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday issued a volcanic ash advisory after a massive eruption of Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi volcano sent a high-altitude ash cloud drifting toward South Asia, raising concerns for aviation routes connected to Pakistan's airspace.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) confirmed that ash was detected 60 nautical miles southwest of Gwadar at around 45,000-50,000 feet, prompting urgent warnings to domestic and international aviation authorities.
The Hayli Gubbi volcano -- located in Ethiopia's Afar region near the Eritrean border -- erupted on Sunday for several hours, marking its first known activity in nearly 12,000 years.
Situated in the tectonically active Rift Valley, the volcano spewed massive ash plumes up to 14 kilometres into the sky, blanketing nearby settlements and triggering tremors felt as far away as Djibouti, Tigray and Wollo.
Local media in Ethiopia described the blast as a "massive eruption," with residents reporting fear, darkness and loud explosions throughout the morning.
The Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) reported that the ash cloud initially moved across Yemen and Oman before drifting over the Arabian Sea toward Pakistan.
An interactive VAAC map shows the cloud crossing southern Sindh and gradually shifting northeast into India. International satellite projections and flight-tracking data from FlightRadar also indicate Pakistan's air corridor will fall directly in the cloud's trajectory.
The PMD officials said that the advisory was unprecedented in Pakistan's meteorological history.
While domestic flights cruising at 34,000-36,000 feet are unlikely to be immediately affected, international flights operating at 40,000-45,000 feet could face potential risks, as volcanic ash can severely damage aircraft engines.
According to the Met Office, it is the first time in Pakistan that an alert regarding volcanic ash has been issued.
Meanwhile, the aviation authorities remain on alert as the ash continues its movement across the Arabian Sea.
The PMD has instructed relevant departments to monitor updates, with warnings still in place as Pakistan prepares for the cloud to enter its upper airspace before dispersing toward India.