Volcanic Eruption Disrupts Bali Flights; Alert Level Raised

Flights to and from Bali have been significantly disrupted after Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, erupted on Tuesday. 

The eruption, which occurred at 5:35 pm local time, sent a massive ash plume more than 11 kilometers into the atmosphere, according to the national volcanology agency.

In response, authorities elevated the volcano’s alert status to the highest level and advised people to steer clear of the 7-kilometer danger zone surrounding the crater. Although no injuries have been reported, safety precautions remain in place.

The eruption prompted numerous airlines—including Air India, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand, and Juneyao Airlines—to cancel flights to and from Bali, which lies west of the affected island of Flores. Airport data from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport indicated over 20 flight cancellations by midday Wednesday. Domestic flights by AirAsia heading to Flores were also suspended.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki had previously erupted in November, resulting in nine fatalities and the evacuation of thousands.