Volcanic Ash from Mount Lewotobi Disrupts Bali Flights, Stranding Travelers
Several airlines across Asia have canceled flights to and from Bali due to the hazardous volcanic ash cloud caused by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki on Flores Island, Indonesia. The eruption, which began on November 3, 2024, has led to significant disruptions, with travelers stranded in airports across Australia and Indonesia.
Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, located approximately 500 kilometers from Bali in East Nusa Tenggara province, has erupted multiple times, resulting in nine fatalities and the evacuation of over 11,000 residents. The European Commission’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) confirmed that the volcanic activity remains ongoing, with an alert level of four, signaling a serious threat. The ash clouds from the volcano have greatly reduced visibility, creating unsafe flying conditions and prompting several airlines to suspend operations.
Affected Airlines and Flight Cancellations
In response to the eruption, major carriers including Qantas, Jetstar, AirAsia, and Virgin Australia have halted flights to and from Denpasar Airport (DPS), Bali, and nearby regions. On November 13, 2024, Qantas issued a policy for passengers with tickets to and from Bali between November 13 and November 22, 2024, urging them to check for updates.
Jetstar also announced the suspension of all flights to and from DPS until at least November 14, 2024, 09:00 local time. The airline cited volcanic ash from Mount Lewotobi as the cause of the disruptions, advising passengers to verify their flight status before traveling to the airport.
AirAsia, which operates several routes in the region, also canceled or rescheduled flights between Bali, Lombok, Labuan Bajo, and other destinations starting from November 4, 2024. These cancellations include flights from AirAsia Malaysia, AirAsia Thailand, AirAsia Indonesia, and AirAsia X Malaysia.
Virgin Australia joined the list of affected airlines, making adjustments to its flight schedule due to the eruption. As of November 13, 2024, the airline had canceled all its flights to and from Denpasar, including 15 flights already impacted by the ash cloud.
Airport Disruptions and Traveler Stranding
Tourists stranded at DPS Airport have expressed frustration, with some reporting being stuck since November 12, 2024. Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, General Manager of DPS Airport, confirmed that volcanic activity has caused widespread flight disruptions since the eruption began. Over the past four days, 84 flights have been impacted, with 36 planned departures and 48 expected arrivals canceled or delayed.
The ongoing eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki has left travelers in limbo as authorities continue to monitor the situation and evaluate the safety of air travel in the region. As of now, passengers are advised to stay informed about flight statuses and make alternative travel arrangements as necessary.
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