Ethiopian Volcano Erupts for the First Time Ever Flights Cancelled as Ash Spreads Across Countries

The Hayli Gubbi volcano, which had been dormant for centuries, suddenly erupted on Sunday morning. The powerful blast sent massive ash plumes nearly 9 miles (14km) into the sky, according to Reuters.
Strong winds carried the volcanic ash across the Red Sea, passing over Oman and Yemen, and even reaching India by Monday evening.
Because of this, airlines were forced to act quickly:

Air India cancelled 11 flights
Akasa Air cancelled flights to Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi
IndiGo announced it was closely watching the situation with global aviation authorities

The India Meteorological Department reported that the ash clouds are now moving toward China, and Indian skies are expected to clear by 7:30pm local time (2pm UK).
In Ethiopia, the eruption left the nearby village of Afdera covered in thick ash.
Local administrator Mohammed Seid told the Associated Press that no people or livestock were killed, but the ash has created serious problems for herders.
“Many villages are covered in ash,” he said. “Their animals have little to eat.”