Volcanic Eruption In Indonesia Triggers Mass Flight Cancellations, Disrupting Travel To Bali

A powerful volcanic eruption in eastern Indonesia has caused widespread travel disruption, with over 20 flights to and from Bali cancelled and many more delayed. Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki, located in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara province, erupted on Tuesday (June 17) evening, spewing a towering ash column more than 10 km (6.2 miles) into the sky and prompting Indonesia’s volcanology agency to raise the alert to its highest level.

The eruption forced authorities to shut down the Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport in Maumere from June 18 through 19, citing passenger safety. The airport operator, AirNav, confirmed the closure in a public advisory, while the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation expanded the danger zone around the volcano to 8 km from the crater.

Several international carriers suspended operations to Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, a major tourist gateway. Airlines, including Singapore Airlines, Air India, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and China’s Juneyao Airlines, cited volcanic ash hazards. Singapore Airlines cancelled four flights between Bali and Singapore, while its low-cost wing, Scoot, also suspended services to Bali and neighbouring Lombok. Jetstar, Qantas’ budget subsidiary, confirmed cancellations and warned that afternoon flights may be delayed depending on ash dispersal.

Travellers from Australia, India, and Southeast Asia were among those stranded or forced to rebook, with thousands affected. Bali airport data showed that more than 20 flights were grounded, and dozens more experienced significant delays, creating a ripple effect across regional hubs.

Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia also confirmed cancellations, while flydubai and other Middle Eastern carriers reported delays due to rerouted airspace and traffic congestion.

Meanwhile, evacuation orders were issued for residents in at least two villages near the volcano. According to disaster management officials, streets in the affected areas were blanketed in thick ash, gravel, and sand, but no injuries or fatalities were reported. Emergency response efforts were hampered by falling ash and poor visibility.

Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki last erupted in May, and its latest activity highlights Indonesia’s heightened volcanic risk. Located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, the country is home to around 130 active volcanoes and is particularly vulnerable due to its position atop several major tectonic plates.

Authorities have urged travellers to check with airlines for real-time updates and to remain patient amid continued uncertainty.

(With inputs from multiple news reports)