Dozens of Bali Flights Canceled Following Volcanic Eruption
June 21, 2025
By Audrey Wan, Bloomberg
Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport has seen significant disruptions in flight operations due to volcanic activity in the region, resulting in dozens of canceled flights and stranding many travelers. The cancellations were prompted by the recent eruption of the Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano, located on Flores Island, east of Bali.
Flight Cancellations and Travel Impact
Numerous airlines, including Singapore Airlines, Jetstar Airways, AirAsia X, Batik Air, and Wings Air, announced flight cancellations as a direct result of the eruption. According to data from Bali’s international airport, at least 30 flights have been impacted, significantly disrupting travel plans during a peak tourist season.
As of Wednesday, the main airport in Bali remained open, but flight operations have been severely affected, with several airlines like PT Garuda Indonesia continuing to check passengers in despite the cancellations. Ongoing volcanic activity has raised concerns amongst travelers and airline operators alike.
Volcanic Activity Details
The eruption on Tuesday triggered authorities to elevate the alert level for Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki to the highest category, Level 4, following the volcano sending an ash plume soaring over 10 kilometers into the atmosphere. The Indonesian disaster management agency has issued warnings as seismic monitoring indicates persistent tremors, suggesting that further eruptions may occur.
In addition to the flight cancellations, the Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation reported that gray volcanic ash, categorized as medium intensity, was observed moving northward from the volcano. While some flights were still scheduled for the afternoon and evening, the aviation warnings prompted a precautionary approach from numerous airlines.
Concerns for Tourism in Bali
Bali, a key international tourist destination, is now facing potential repercussions on its tourism sector. As many holidaymakers find themselves stranded or their plans altered abruptly, local businesses and service providers may feel the impact of this disruption.
The Indonesian government, along with disaster management agencies, continues to monitor the situation closely. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed regarding flight status and safety advisories as the situation develops.
The recent eruption underlines the ongoing challenges Indonesian authorities face in managing both natural disasters and the pressures they place on the vibrant tourism industry that is crucial for Bali’s economy.
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