The ongoing eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki in Indonesia has caused significant disruptions in air travel, leaving thousands of passengers stranded at airports both in Indonesia and abroad. The volcanic activity, which began in early November, has resulted in a series of powerful eruptions, spewing massive ash columns into the sky. The most recent eruption has had a particularly severe impact on Bali, a popular tourist destination, as airlines were forced to cancel or delay flights due to the hazardous conditions.
On Wednesday, numerous international airlines suspended their flights to and from Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. Travelers faced uncertainty, with many left without clear information or support from airlines. Tourists shared their frustrations about the abrupt changes to their plans, with some expressing disappointment at the lack of accommodation or assistance from their airlines. Charlie Austin, a tourist from Perth, Australia, shared his experience of being stranded at Bali’s airport with his family. He reported that his airline did not offer any lodging or support, leaving him and his family to fend for themselves at the crowded airport. Another Australian traveler, Issabella Butler, decided to search for alternative flights home, noting that her primary concern was to secure a way out of Bali as soon as possible.
The impact of the volcanic eruption has been widespread, affecting not just travelers in Bali but also those scheduled to fly from various Australian cities. Reports indicate that thousands of people are currently stranded in airports in both Indonesia and Australia, with no clear estimate of when flights might resume normal operations. Airlines are working to accommodate the disrupted passengers, offering options such as refunds, rescheduling, or rerouting. However, the sheer volume of affected flights has created significant logistical challenges.
The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki, located on the remote island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara province, has been ongoing since early November. The volcano, standing at 1,584 meters (5,197 feet), erupted with a series of powerful blasts, spewing ash clouds as high as 9 kilometers (5½ miles) into the air. The Indonesian Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation reported that the volcano erupted at least 17 times on Tuesday alone, with the largest column of ash recorded at 9 kilometers high. The danger zone around the volcano has been extended to 9 kilometers, as volcanic materials including hot ash, smoldering rocks, and fragments of lava continue to pose significant risks.
The eruption has already resulted in fatalities, with reports indicating that nine people have lost their lives and dozens more have been injured. The Indonesian authorities have expanded the evacuation zone around the volcano, with emergency services working to move residents away from the danger area. The ongoing volcanic activity has led to severe disruptions at several airports in the region. In addition to Bali’s main airport, three other airports in nearby districts—Ende, Larantuka, and Bajawa—have been closed due to the dangerous levels of volcanic ash in the atmosphere. Indonesia’s Air Navigation issued a safety warning, advising airlines to avoid the affected airspace to prevent potential risks to aircraft.
Several international airlines have been forced to adjust their schedules in response to the ongoing crisis. Jetstar, a major Australian airline, announced the suspension of its flights to Bali until at least Thursday, citing unsafe flying conditions due to the ash cloud. Virgin Australia canceled ten of its scheduled flights to and from Bali on Wednesday, and Qantas delayed several of its flights. These cancellations have left many travelers in a state of limbo, with some airlines offering refunds for those who prefer not to travel amid the uncertainty. Air New Zealand also canceled a scheduled flight to Bali and a return flight to Auckland, citing safety concerns over the volcanic ash. The airline stated that it would rebook affected passengers and continue monitoring the situation closely.
Korean Air also faced disruptions as two of its flights headed to Bali were forced to turn back mid-flight due to the volcanic ash. Both flights, carrying around 400 passengers combined, had departed from Incheon International Airport in South Korea on Tuesday. However, as forecasts indicated that Bali’s airport might be severely affected by the ash, the flights were redirected back to South Korea. Passengers on these flights had to return to Incheon early Wednesday, facing delays and uncertainty about when they might be able to continue their journeys.
