A massive eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in Indonesia has triggered worldwide flight cancellations to Bali
1. Volcanic Fury Grounds Global Flights to Bali
In a dramatic display of nature’s power, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted on June 17, 2025, spewing a towering ash plume over 10 kilometers into the atmosphere. Located on Indonesia’s Flores Island, the volcano’s violent activity forced the country’s volcanology agency to raise the alert level to its highest, Level 4. But the impact wasn’t confined to Indonesia’s borders.
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Within hours, the ash cloud drifted westward, blanketing air routes to Bali and triggering a cascade of international flight cancellations. Airlines from India, Australia, Singapore, New Zealand, and China were among the first to respond. Air India’s flight AI2145 from Delhi to Bali was forced to return mid-air, while Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Singapore Airlines suspended multiple services to Denpasar’s Ngurah Rai International Airport.
The eruption’s timing just ahead of Bali’s peak tourist season has left thousands of travelers stranded or scrambling for alternatives. Despite the airport remaining operational, aviation authorities have warned that ash dispersion forecasts will dictate flight safety, leading to rolling cancellations and delays.
2. Airlines Respond with Cancellations, Refunds, and Caution
The aviation industry’s response has been swift and cautious. Over two dozen international flights were cancelled within the first 24 hours, with more expected as volcanic activity continues. Jetstar and Virgin Australia grounded flights to multiple Australian cities, while Singapore’s Tigerair and China’s Juneyao Airlines followed suit. Even domestic carriers like AirAsia suspended services to nearby Flores and Labuan Bajo.
Airlines have prioritized passenger safety, offering full refunds, complimentary rescheduling, and hotel accommodations for affected travelers. “Safety is our top priority,” said a Jetstar spokesperson, echoing the sentiment across the industry.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency has evacuated villages within an 8-kilometer radius of the volcano. Though no casualties have been reported, authorities remain on high alert for lahar flows dangerous volcanic mudslides triggered by rain mixing with ash deposits.
3. Tourism and Travel Plans in Turmoil
The eruption has cast a long shadow over Bali’s tourism sector, which was just beginning to rebound after years of pandemic-related disruptions. With international travel routes severed, hotels are reporting mass cancellations, and tour operators are bracing for a sharp decline in bookings.
Travelers are advised to monitor airline advisories closely, avoid non-essential travel to affected regions, and stay informed through official channels. The Indonesian government continues to invest in seismic monitoring and disaster preparedness, but the unpredictability of volcanic activity remains a challenge.
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, part of a twin-volcano complex, has a history of volatile behavior. Its last major eruption in November 2024 claimed nine lives and disrupted air travel for days. This latest event serves as a stark reminder of the fragile balance between nature and modern mobility.
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