DENPASAR, Indonesia — On Wednesday, multiple international airlines announced the cancellation of flights to and from Bali, Indonesia’s famous tourist destination, due to the ongoing eruption of a nearby volcano that has left travelers stranded.
The Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano, located on the remote island of Flores in the East Nusa Tenggara province, has been erupting violently since its initial eruption on November 4, resulting in the death of nine people and injuries to many more.
The volcano, which stands at a height of 1,584 meters (5,197 feet), exhibited significant activity on Tuesday, releasing high columns of ash at least 17 times, with a peak recorded at 9 kilometers (5½ miles) into the sky, according to the Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation.
In light of the renewed eruptions, authorities have expanded the danger zone to a radius of 9 kilometers (5½ miles) from the crater, as hot volcanic debris, including smoldering rocks and gravel, were reported to be ejected as far as 8 kilometers (5 miles).
Affected by the volcanic eruptions, Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai international airport has experienced significant disruptions. Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, the airport’s general manager, stated that within the past three days, a total of 46 flights—30 outgoing and 16 incoming—have been impacted.
On Tuesday alone, at least 12 domestic flights and 22 international flights were canceled. Airlines have offered passengers refunds or options to reschedule or reroute their trips due to the cancellations.
Three Australian airlines have also faced cancellations and delays. Jetstar temporarily suspended its Bali flights until at least Thursday, citing safety concerns regarding the route.
Virgin Australia reported the cancellation of 10 flights to and from Bali on Wednesday, while Qantas adjusted the timing of three of its flights. To accommodate affected passengers, some airlines are offering fare refunds for those choosing to alter their travel plans.
Air New Zealand also canceled a flight to Denpasar, scheduled for Wednesday, as well as a return trip to Auckland planned for Thursday. Chief Operating Officer Alex Marren indicated that passengers would be rebooked and that the airline would continuously monitor the ash situation in the coming days.
Korean Air revealed that two of its flights heading to Bali were forced to return to South Korea due to the eruption’s ash clouds. The two flights, carrying approximately 400 passengers, took off from Incheon International Airport but turned back after a few hours due to updated forecasts warning of ash affecting Ngurah Rai airport in Bali.
Reports indicate that thousands of travelers are currently stranded at airports in both Indonesia and Australia.
Earlier in January, around 6,500 individuals were evacuated as Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki began erupting, causing substantial ash clouds and necessitating the closure of the island’s Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport. Fortunately, no casualties or significant damage were reported, though the airport has remained closed due to ongoing seismic concerns.
In addition, three airports in neighboring districts—Ende, Larantuka, and Bajawa—were shut down after Indonesia’s Air Navigation issued a safety warning linked to volcanic ash.
Lewotobi Laki Laki is one of two stratovolcanoes in East Flores, locally referred to as the husband-and-wife mountains; “Laki laki” translates to “man,” while its counterpart is Lewotobi Perempuan, meaning “woman.” It is part of the 120 active volcanoes dotting Indonesia, which is home to 280 million people.
The nation’s geographic location along the “Ring of Fire” further exposes it to earthquakes, landslides, and volcanic eruptions.
