Bali Flights Cancelled as Indonesian Volcano Erupts, Spewing Massive Ash Plume
A powerful volcanic eruption in Indonesia has resulted in significant disruptions to air travel, with dozens of flights to and from Bali cancelled due to a towering ash cloud reaching 18 kilometers into the sky.
On Monday, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki on the island of Flores erupted at 11:05 a.m. local time (03:05 GMT), sending an enormous ash plume soaring approximately 18,000 meters above the volcano’s summit. This dramatic event prompted authorities to cancel 24 flights at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport, according to airport general manager Ahmad Syaugi Shahab.
Several major airlines, including Virgin Australia, Jetstar Airways, and AirAsia Indonesia, confirmed cancellations and delays affecting routes to Labuan Bajo on Flores, as well as international destinations such as Australia, Singapore, and South Korea. While some flights were impacted directly by the volcanic activity, officials noted that the ash had not yet spread into Bali’s airspace, preventing even wider disruption.
Jetstar, an Australian airline, cited volcanic ash from Mount Lewotobi’s eruption as the cause for their cancelled flights, emphasizing the safety risks posed by volcanic ash to aviation.
Volcanic Activity and Safety Warnings
Indonesia’s volcanology agency described the activity at Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki as “very high,” highlighting ongoing explosive eruptions and continuous tremors. The agency also warned of the potential for dangerous lahar floods—mud and debris flows triggered by volcanic materials mixed with heavy rainfall—particularly threatening communities near rivers.
Residents living close to the volcano have been urged to maintain a safe distance of at least six kilometers (3.7 miles) and to wear face masks for protection against inhaling volcanic ash. So far, no reports of damage or casualties have emerged from the latest eruption.
Recent History of Eruptions at Mount Lewotobi
This is not the first time Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki has disrupted travel and local life recently. Just weeks prior, the volcano’s rumblings led to a spate of flight cancellations in and out of Bali, a popular tourist destination. Previous eruptions in November caused the deaths of nine people, forced the evacuation of thousands, and brought about widespread flight disruptions.
Standing at 1,584 meters (5,197 feet), Lewotobi Laki-Laki is part of a twin volcanic formation, paired with the taller and typically less active Lewotobi Perempuan, which rises 1,703 meters. The region is well-known for its volcanic activity as Indonesia sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a geologically active zone characterized by frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
As Indonesia continues to monitor the situation closely, airline passengers planning travel to Bali and surrounding areas are advised to stay updated on developments and airline announcements.
With Indonesia’s volcanic landscape continually posing challenges, authorities remain vigilant to protect residents and travelers alike from the impacts of eruptions such as this latest event at Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki.
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