Volcano eruption Indonesia forces several airlines to cancel hundreds of flights to Bali, leaving thousands of tourists stranded worldwide. Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki on Flores Island exploded Tuesday afternoon, sending ash clouds 10,000 metres into the sky!
The dramatic eruption of volcano in Indonesia created thick smoke visible from 150 km away. Local authorities immediately raised the volcano's alert status to maximum level and evacuated two nearby villages as ash and debris covered the streets.
Volcano Eruption Bali & Other Flights Cancelled
International carriers, including Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Singapore Airlines, and Air India, cancelled dozens of Bali-bound flights on Wednesday morning. Virgin Australia suspended all services from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, while Jetstar cancelled at least 12 departures.
Many travellers had booked trips to see the famous Bali volcano attractions, but safety concerns now take priority.
"Safety of our crew and customers is our top priority," said Air New Zealand COO Alex Marren, as his airline joined others in rebooking affected passengers.
Indonesia's government closed Fransiskus Xaverius Seda airport near the eruption site. The volcanic ash causes serious risks to aircraft engines, forcing airlines to avoid the region entirely.
Seismic Activity Spikes Before Blast?
Scientists recorded 50 deep volcanic earthquakes in just two hours before the eruption, far above normal levels. The 1,584-metre tall volcano, part of twin peaks in East Nusa Tenggara province, last erupted in November 2024, killing 9 people.
Authorities expanded the danger zone to 8 km around the crater and warned residents about potential lava flows during rainfall. No casualties have been reported from the latest eruption.
Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, home to over 120 active volcanoes. The country regularly experiences earthquakes and volcanic activity due to its location along major tectonic plates. Travel disruptions are expected to continue as ash settles across the region.
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