A powerful volcanic eruption in Indonesia has caused serious travel disruptions, especially for people flying to and from the popular tourist island of Bali. On June 17, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, located in the East Nusa Tenggara province, erupted and released a massive ash cloud nearly 11 kilometers into the sky.
Because of the eruption, the Indonesian government raised the volcano's alert level to the highest category and extended the evacuation area to 8 kilometers around the crater.
Nearby villages were blanketed in thick volcanic ash, turning streets grey and coating homes, trees, and vehicles with dust and small stones. Although there have been no reported injuries or deaths, the impact on daily life and air travel has been significant.
Authorities closed Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport in Maumere, which is close to the volcano, and began cancelling flights. Many affected flights included routes to Bali, which is located further west but could still be impacted by drifting ash in the air.
Volcanic ash is extremely dangerous to airplanes. It can damage engines, reduce visibility for pilots, and interfere with instruments on board. Because of this, airlines and airport authorities must be very cautious.
Even a small amount of ash in the air can cause serious problems, which is why flights are often delayed or cancelled during eruptions.
Local emergency teams have helped residents evacuate from high-risk zones near the volcano. Shelters have been set up to support those displaced by the eruption, and disaster management teams continue to monitor the situation for further volcanic activity.
Experts are keeping a close watch on wind patterns and ash movement, as these could affect more areas in the coming days.
The eruption of Mount Lewotobi is a reminder of how quickly natural disasters can disrupt life, especially in a country like Indonesia, which sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and has over 100 active volcanoes.
A number of flights have been cancelled or postponed between Australia and Bali due to volcanic ash from the eruption of the Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano in south-central Indonesia. #9News
— 9News Australia (@9NewsAUS) June 18, 2025
DETAILS: https://t.co/0LHdphuW4R pic.twitter.com/umm5wshDMU
Airlines Ground Flights Due to Ash Cloud Over Bali
Following the eruption, several major airlines took quick action to cancel or delay flights to and from Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport. Airlines from Australia, such as Jetstar, Qantas, and Virgin Australia, were among the first to ground planes due to the risk of flying through volcanic ash.
International airlines including Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Air India, Air New Zealand, and Juneyao Airlines also made schedule changes.
Air New Zealand confirmed the cancellation of its flights between Auckland and Bali, offering passengers the chance to rebook or receive assistance with new travel arrangements. Jetstar said it hoped to resume some afternoon flights if conditions improved.
Officials at Bali’s airport advised passengers to check with their airlines before arriving at the airport, as flight status can change depending on weather and ash levels. Although the airport remained open, not all flights were operating.
Airlines rely on satellite data and wind forecasts to determine when it is safe to fly through or near areas affected by volcanic ash.
Passengers affected by the cancellations experienced long delays, and many were asked to wait for updates or alternative bookings. Hotel operators and travel services in Bali began working with airlines to help stranded tourists find accommodation and support during the disruption.
The eruption has impacted thousands of travelers, especially during peak tourism season. Although volcanic activity was limited to the area around Mount Lewotobi, the widespread ash cloud showed how one eruption can affect places far beyond the volcano itself.
Travel experts say that conditions should improve over the coming days if the volcano does not erupt again and wind patterns shift.
Still, volcanic eruptions are unpredictable, and travelers are advised to follow updates from official sources before making plans.
For now, Indonesian authorities and airlines continue to assess the situation. Safety remains the top priority, and all decisions are being made to protect passengers, flight crews, and local communities.
