Mount Lewotobi Eruption Disrupts Bali Flights, Raises Safety Alerts

On June 18, 2025, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a stratovolcano located on Flores Island in Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara province, erupted, sending an ash plume rising to 11 kilometers (approximately 6.84 miles) into the atmosphere. This event has led to significant disruptions in air travel, particularly affecting flights to and from Bali, an internationally renowned tourist destination. According to Indonesia's geological agency, the eruption prompted authorities to elevate the alert level to the highest tier in their four-tier warning system. This escalation indicates an increased risk of further eruptions, as confirmed by a subsequent smaller ash cloud released on the morning of June 19.

The National Agency for Disaster Countermeasure (BNPB) reported that no casualties have been documented from the eruption; however, precautionary measures were enacted, including the evacuation of nearby residents from multiple villages. The agency recorded ongoing tremors and emissions from the volcano following the initial eruption, underscoring the potential for additional volcanic activity. As a result, residents and tourists have been advised to maintain a safe distance of at least 7 kilometers (4.35 miles) from the volcano's crater, according to the geological agency's guidelines.

The eruption has caused at least 32 flights to be canceled from Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport, significantly impacting travel schedules. Flight cancellations affected routes from various countries, including Australia, India, and Singapore. Angkasa Pura Indonesia, the airport operator, confirmed in a statement, "Due to volcanic activity of Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Nusa Tenggara, several flights at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport are cancelled."

AirAsia and Singapore Airlines reported multiple cancellations on flights to and from Bali, with AirAsia's domestic flights to Labuan Bajo, located near the volcano, among those affected. JetStar, a low-cost carrier under Qantas, also announced the cancellation of several flights from Bali to Australia, citing the impact of the ash cloud. In an update, JetStar indicated that forecasts suggested the ash cloud would dissipate later in the evening, allowing for delayed flights to resume operations.

In light of the eruption, the Indonesian government announced the temporary closure of Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport in Maumere, with plans to keep it closed until Thursday to ensure passenger safety. This eruption is not an isolated incident; Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki has a history of significant eruptions, including a previous event in November 2024, which resulted in nine fatalities and prompted the evacuation of thousands. Indonesia's geographical position along the Pacific "Ring of Fire" predisposes it to frequent seismic and volcanic activities, making this region particularly vulnerable to natural disasters.

The implications of this eruption extend beyond immediate safety concerns, as the disruption of air travel may have lasting economic effects on the tourism-dependent region of Bali. The Indonesian tourism sector, which has been recovering from the impacts of the global pandemic, now faces a new challenge as travelers may reconsider plans amid ongoing volcanic activity. The situation calls for continuous monitoring and an assessment of safety protocols to mitigate risks associated with future eruptions. Experts from the Indonesian Institute of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) are actively studying the volcano's behavior, providing crucial insights for local authorities and the public regarding safety measures and potential evacuation protocols.

As the situation develops, travelers are encouraged to stay informed via official channels and to heed warnings from local authorities. The resilience of Indonesia’s tourism sector will be tested as it navigates these challenges while ensuring the safety of residents and visitors alike.