Australian Airlines Resume Bali Flights After Mount Lewotobi Eruption
Major Australian airlines have resumed selected flights to Bali after disruptions caused by volcanic ash from Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki. The ash cloud, which had forced the cancellation of all flights to and from Bali, has begun to clear, allowing airlines to gradually restart operations.
Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, located in Indonesia, has been erupting intermittently since November 3, 2024. The eruptions released volcanic ash that reached as high as 3,000 meters above the crater on November 14, 2024, according to the European Commission Emergency Response Coordination Centre. The ash cloud created unsafe travel conditions, leading to the suspension of flights in the region.
On November 14, 2024, following the disruption, Qantas, Jetstar, AirAsia, and Virgin Australia all halted their flights to Bali, citing safety concerns. However, within 24 hours, the airlines announced the resumption of select flights, as conditions improved.
Qantas and Jetstar issued a joint statement confirming that “conditions have improved,” allowing both carriers to restart their flights between Australia and Denpasar, Bali. The airlines emphasized that they would continue monitoring the volcanic activity, with Jetstar adding that they were working on plans to operate more recovery flights across the Qantas Group’s network.
“We will continue to monitor the changing conditions and volcanic activity and work on plans to operate more recovery flights using aircraft from across the Qantas Group so that we can get customers on their way as quickly as possible,” Jetstar’s announcement read.
On November 15, 2024, Virgin Australia also confirmed the resumption of flights to Bali. The airline announced the scheduling of additional recovery flights to assist passengers impacted by earlier cancellations. Virgin Australia resumed all scheduled flights to and from Denpasar, Bali, and announced plans to operate six flights starting November 16, linking major Australian cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, to the Indonesian island.
The airlines’ quick response to the volcanic disruption reflects the importance of Bali as a key travel destination for Australians. While the situation remains fluid, with the volcanic ash still posing a threat, the resumption of services is a positive sign for travelers looking to return to Bali.
As of November 14, 2024, the alert status for Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki remains at Level Four, indicating ongoing eruptive activity. Airlines are expected to closely monitor the situation in the coming days and make adjustments as necessary to ensure passenger safety.
The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki serves as a reminder of the potential disruptions caused by volcanic activity, with ash clouds capable of impacting air travel over large areas. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates on flight schedules and potential disruptions.
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