Flights to Bali disrupted as Indonesian volcano erupts again

Dozens of international and domestic flights were cancelled or delayed after Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted on Monday, but Bali’s main airport remains operational.

Indonesia’s Geology Agency reported that the volcano, located on Flores island, erupted twice on Monday, spewing a column of ash up to 18 kilometres high and sending hot gas clouds and debris up to five kilometres down its slopes. No casualties were reported.

Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport remains open, but at least 24 flights to and from Australia, Singapore and South Korea were cancelled, and several others delayed. Domestic routes have also been affected. Airlines including Jetstar, Qantas, Virgin Australia and Indonesia AirAsia confirmed cancellations and urged passengers to monitor updates.

“The safety of our guests and crew is our highest priority,” Virgin Australia said in a statement. Qantas and Jetstar also said affected passengers would be contacted directly.

Indonesia has kept Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki at its highest alert level since a major eruption on 18 June. Two airports closer to the volcano—Maumere and Larantuka—remained closed on Tuesday.

While the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has not issued new advice specific to Bali, it continues to advise against travel within 7km of the Lewotobi crater and several other active volcanoes across the country.

Volcanic ash is hazardous to aircraft engines and sensors, and can severely reduce visibility, posing significant risks to aviation safety. Ash melts inside jet engines, clogs vital cooling systems, and can damage cockpit windows.

Indonesia sits on the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire and has around 130 active volcanoes, making it one of the most volcanically active regions in the world.

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