Travelers heading to Bali and other Southeast Asian destinations this week encountered chaos after a powerful volcanic eruption took root on dozens of flights and ruined international travel.
Euro News reported that the Indonesian mountain Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted on Tuesday, causing the smoke cloud to emit 10,000 meters. Due to safety concerns, the visible plume can be visible up to 150 kilometers, which quickly forces airlines to cancel or rerout flights.
An eruption occurred on Wednesday morning, prompting authorities to raise alarms to the highest levels and expand the danger zone around the volcano to 8 kilometers.
The direct impact is the widespread cancellation of flights in Asia and the Pacific. More than 20 flights in and out of Bali have been canceled, including routes connecting to Australia, India, Malaysia and China.
Singapore Airlines and its budget airline Scoot have canceled all flights to Bali and nearby Lumbok. Jetstar canceled several morning departures in Australia, with other flights postponed or rescheduled. Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand and Juneyao Airlines also canceled services.
Even the Indian Airlines were forced to turn their flights to Delhi in air flights, citing the safety risks of airborne volcanic debris.
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Although no injuries or death have been reported in the outbreak, the consequences of the traveler are immediate. Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali reported thousands of passengers.
The Indonesian Volcano Academy warned that Ash and debris had already gone far beyond the dangerous areas, affecting villages and areas that were not previously considered at risk.
Closed is not limited to Bali. According to Indonesia Airnav, the Franciscus Xaverius Seda airport in Maumir has been closed to protect travelers.
Volcanic ash poses a serious threat to the aircraft. It can damage the engine, mask cockpit visibility and damage the basic flight system. Even small particles can cause engine failure or force emergency landings, making widespread cancellations not only frustrating, but necessary for safety.
Indonesia is home to more than 130 active volcanoes, located in one of the most unstable earthquake-related areas in the world. Such outbreaks are not uncommon, but their timing is unpredictable and the consequences of air travel are immediate.
The airline said the gray cloud may be cleared later on Wednesday, but travelers should continue to check for updates.
If you are traveling to and from Indonesia or flying from Indonesia, look forward to the delay and have your backup plan ready.
Surprisingly, the flight to Bali was cancelled without warning, first appeared in the 19 June 2025 Men's Daily
