Flight Cancellations in Bali Following Eruption of Mount Lewotobi

JAKARTA: On June 18, 2025, dozens of flights to and from Bali, Indonesia's renowned resort island, were canceled due to the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a volcano located on the nearby island of Flores. The eruption, which occurred on June 17, sent an ash plume rising approximately 10 kilometers into the atmosphere, prompting authorities to elevate the volcano’s alert status to its highest level.

According to Angkasa Pura Indonesia, the airport operator for I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, flight cancellations affected several airlines including Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Air India, Air New Zealand, Scoot, and Juneyao Airlines. The airport reported that some flights would be delayed until the ash cloud dispersed.

"The safety of our customers and crew is our top priority," stated a spokesperson for Scoot. The low-cost carrier has proactively reached out to passengers to notify them of the cancellations and changes to their itineraries.

While the airport remains operational, certain routes have been impacted depending on the airlines. Domestic flights, particularly those heading to Labuan Bajo on Flores, were also canceled due to volcanic activity. A customer service agent at the Bali airport, who preferred to remain anonymous, indicated that operations continued normally despite the disruptions.

The eruption has also led to the evacuation of nearby villages as volcanic ash blanketed the area. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency of Indonesia reported that tremors indicating ongoing volcanic activity were still being detected. Residents and tourists have been advised to avoid activities within at least 7 kilometers of the volcano's crater.

The agency warned of potential hazardous lahar flows, which are debris flows of volcanic materials, particularly during heavy rainfall, posing a risk to communities situated near river valleys. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of damages or casualties related to this recent eruption.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, which stands at 1,703 meters, is part of a twin-peaked volcanic system in Indonesia, known for its seismic and volcanic activity due to its location on the Pacific "Ring of Fire." In November 2024, the volcano erupted multiple times, resulting in nine fatalities and the cancellation of numerous international flights to Bali.

As Indonesia is a vast archipelago with numerous active volcanoes, the government and local agencies are continuously monitoring volcanic activity to ensure public safety. The eruption of Mount Lewotobi serves as a reminder of the geological volatility in the region and its implications for aviation and local communities.

Authorities are currently assessing the situation and will provide updates as necessary. Travelers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest flight information and safety guidelines regarding volcanic activity.