Flights Cancelled as Indonesian Volcano Erupts, Blanketing Bali in Ash

Bali, Indonesia – June 18, 2025
A significant eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki on the island of Flores, located east of Bali, has led to the cancellation of numerous flights to and from the popular tourist destination. The volcano erupted at approximately 5:35 PM local time on Tuesday, sending a towering ash plume approximately 10 kilometers (about 32,800 feet) into the atmosphere, as reported by the Indonesian volcanology agency.

The eruption prompted officials to raise Indonesia’s disaster alert level to the highest tier of its four-level system, signaling the urgent need for precautionary measures among residents and tourists alike. According to agency head Muhammad Wafid, “The height of the eruption column was observed at approximately 10,000 meters above the summit. The ash column was grey with thick intensity.” Despite the eruption’s severity, there have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

Flight Disruptions and Airline Responses

The cascading effects of the volcanic activity were felt in the travel sector, resulting in several airlines cancelling flights. Virgin Australia confirmed the cancellation of flights between Brisbane, Melbourne, and Bali, while Jetstar cancelled four flights to Bali on Wednesday morning. Qantas, monitoring the evolving situation, stated it was keeping a close watch on flight operations scheduled for later that day. Similarly, Air New Zealand scrapped two flights between Bali and Auckland, emphasizing safety as its top priority.

Other airlines, including Air India, Singapore’s TigerAir, and China’s Juneyao Airlines, also announced cancellations due to the ongoing volcanic activity. Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport continued to operate normally, although flight schedules varied depending on the airline and the affected routes.

Safety Measures and Community Impact

In light of the eruption, Wafid advised communities to maintain a safe distance from the volcano. He urged inhabitants and visitors to avoid any activities within a 7-kilometer radius of the crater. Furthermore, he warned of potential lahar floods—dangerous flows of volcanic debris—if heavy rainfall occurs, particularly affecting areas near rivers.

The Volcano Observation Post indicated that tremors were still being detected, suggesting that volcanic activity was ongoing, leading to further precautionary measures. National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) spokesman Abdul Muhari reported that at least one village had been evacuated, and ash rain was impacting several villages surrounding the volcano. Residents have been called upon to relocate to safer areas.

Historical Context

This eruption is not unprecedented; Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki has a history of volcanic activity. In November of the previous year, it erupted multiple times, causing fatalities and necessitating the evacuation of thousands, while grounding numerous international flights to Bali.

The volcano, whose name translates to "man" in Indonesian, is paired with the taller and quieter Mount Perempuan, which means "woman." Both peaks form a significant geological feature in Indonesia, a country known for its frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific “Ring of Fire.”

As the situation develops, authorities continue to monitor the volcano and advise the public on the necessary safety measures to mitigate risks associated with volcanic eruptions.