Bali Getaway Grounded: Eruption of Flores Volcano Triggers Flight Chaos

Photo: AFP

Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara / Bali — A sudden eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki‑Laki, a twin volcano on Flores Island, unleashed a towering ash plume over 11 km into the atmosphere, disrupting travel across the region and igniting widespread concern.

The Indonesian Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation raised the volcano’s alert to Level 4, the highest tier, in response to repeated eruptions. Local agencies extended an 8 km exclusion zone around the crater, and officials evacuated residents from several nearby villages, including Boru, Hewa, and Watobuku. Streets are now covered in ash, gravel, and sand—but miraculously, no casualties have been reported. 

The eruption’s ash disrupted air travel to the tourist-heavy gateway of Bali. I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport witnessed the cancellation or delay of roughly 30 flights, according to airport data. Carriers affected included Singapore Airlines, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand, Air India, Scoot, and Juneyao. Additional disruption occurred in Maumere, where Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport was closed temporarily for safety reasons. 

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One passenger flight from Delhi to Bali operated by Air India diverted mid‑flight and safely returned to Delhi after the crew detected ash concern near Bali. The airline confirmed all passengers disembarked unharmed. 

Tourists already in Bali or en route faced mounting delays and stress. Reports suggest 1,000+ holidaymakers are affected, with some forced to reschedule return flights or adjust connections. Airlines are monitoring ash dispersion before reinstating schedules.

Geologists emphasize that ash particles pose serious hazards to aircraft engines and visibility. Malaysia’s weather agency and Singapore’s aviation authorities issued red alerts, and the Japanese Meteorological Agency briefly examined potential tsunami risks—though none were observed. Flight cancellations and closures remain in effect until volcanic activity diminishes and ash clearance is confirmed.

Mount Lewotobi has a record of volatility. A similar eruption in November 2024 resulted in nine fatalities and mass evacuations while earlier eruptions in March and May 2025 temporarily disrupted flights.

Prompt evacuations and no reported injuries indicate that crisis response coordination—between disaster agencies, aviation authorities, and local governments—has succeeded. Nonetheless, the event underscores Indonesia’s ongoing vulnerability due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, home to over 120 active volcanoes. 

For travelers, airlines suggest checking flight status frequently and contacting support staff. Flexible rebooking policies are being implemented. Travelers in Bali are also advised to avoid outdoor activities and wear masks to reduce ash exposure.

As ash clouds drift and seismic activity evolves, authorities maintain strict monitoring. Flight routes and airport operations will resume only after the region is deemed safe under international aviation standards.