Bali’s Skies Grounded: Volcano Eruption Causes Widespread Flight Cancellations
–Dozens of flights to and from Indonesia’s resort island of Bali were cancelled on Wednesday, according to authorities and the island’s airport, after a volcano in the archipelago’s east erupted.
DENPASAR, Bali – June 18, 2025
The idyllic holiday paradise of Bali has seen its skies largely grounded today, as dozens of flights to and from the Indonesian resort island have been cancelled following a dramatic eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki.
The volcano, located on the eastern island of Flores, spewed a colossal tower of ash up to 10 kilometers (approximately 6.2 miles) into the sky on Tuesday, prompting authorities to raise its alert status to the highest level.
Travelers eager to begin or end their Bali getaways found themselves stranded at Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar) as airlines, prioritizing passenger safety, made the difficult decision to cancel services.
Major carriers affected include Australian airlines Jetstar and Virgin Australia, with flights to various cities across Australia halted. Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore’s Scoot (formerly Tigerair), and China’s Juneyao Airlines also reported cancellations “due to volcano” activity. Domestic AirAsia flights bound for popular tourist hotspot Labuan Bajo on Flores, close to the volcano, were similarly impacted.
While Bali’s international airport itself remains open and operational, the sheer volume of cancellations highlights the severe disruption caused by the volcanic ash. An airport customer service agent, who declined to be named, confirmed that operations were continuing, but emphasized that cancellations were entirely dependent on specific routes and airline decisions concerning the ash cloud’s trajectory and density.
“Volcanic ash poses a significant threat to aircraft. Composed of tiny, abrasive rock particles, it can severely damage aircraft engines, erode cockpit windows, and clog vital instruments, potentially leading to engine failure and loss of visibility. Airlines and aviation authorities strictly adhere to protocols to avoid flying through ash plumes to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.”
Jetstar, in a statement released on Wednesday, acknowledged the cancellations but offered a glimmer of hope for some passengers, indicating that “forecasts show the ash cloud is expected to clear by later tonight.” As a result, some afternoon flights were slated for delay rather than outright cancellation, with the expectation of operating later in the evening.
Beyond the aviation woes, the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki has also had a direct impact on communities near its base.
Volcanic ash rained down heavily on several villages around the volcano, forcing the evacuation of at least one settlement late on Tuesday. Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency reported ongoing tremors, indicating continued volcanic activity.
The country’s geology agency has issued a warning, advising residents and tourists to avoid any activities within at least seven kilometers of the volcano’s crater. Concerns have also been raised about the potential for hazardous lahar floods – fast-moving mud and debris flows of volcanic materials – particularly if heavy rainfall occurs in areas near rivers.
There have been no immediate reports of damages or casualties directly attributed to this latest eruption. However, it serves as a stark reminder of Indonesia’s volatile geological position on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region prone to frequent seismic and volcanic activity.
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki has a history of disruptive eruptions, most recently in November, when multiple events claimed nine lives, caused numerous international flight cancellations to Bali, and necessitated the evacuation of thousands.
As the ash cloud gradually dissipates, airlines will continue to monitor the situation closely, with the safety of flight operations remaining the paramount concern. Tourists planning travel to Bali are advised to consult with their respective airlines for the latest updates on flight schedules and potential disruptions.
