Dozens Of Flights Canceled After Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Eruption In Indonesia

Ash Cloud Reaches 11km; Bali, Flores Travel Hit

Tone & Political Bias: Center

Why: The article presents factual updates from geological and disaster response agencies without politicized framing or ideological commentary.

Volcano Erupts In East Indonesia

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, located in East Nusa Tenggara on the island of Flores, erupted on Tuesday evening, sending a column of volcanic ash 11 kilometers into the sky. Indonesia’s geological agency responded by raising the eruption alert to its highest level.

A second eruption followed on Wednesday morning, producing a smaller ash plume. Authorities have confirmed that no casualties have occurred so far, but evacuations were conducted in nearby villages as a safety measure.

Authorities Raise Alert, Enforce Exclusion Zone

Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported that volcanic tremors and ash emissions continued into Wednesday. Officials urged residents and tourists to stay at least 7 kilometers (4.35 miles) away from the volcano’s crater.

The alert level now sits at level four, the highest on Indonesia’s four-tier volcanic activity system, signaling increased eruption risk and public danger.

Flight Disruptions Across Bali And Eastern Indonesia

At least 32 commercial flights to and from Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport were canceled as a direct result of the eruption. Routes affected included flights to and from Australia, India, and Singapore, with several JetStar and Singapore Airlines operations suspended.

Domestic flights bound for Labuan Bajo—a tourist gateway on Flores near the volcano—were also grounded. AirAsia canceled multiple services in the region. JetStar announced that ash forecasts suggest the cloud could clear by nightfall, allowing evening flights to proceed after earlier delays.

Airport Closures Expand As Precaution

In addition to disruptions in Bali, the Indonesian government shut down Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport in Maumere, a regional transport hub on Flores, until Thursday. The closure was described by airport operator Airnav Indonesia as a safety measure for passengers and staff.

Historical Context Of The Volcano

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki is one of two peaks in the Lewotobi twin-volcano complex. It last erupted in November 2023, an event that led to nine deaths and displaced thousands. The region remains under close watch due to its location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a geologically active zone prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Indonesia has more than 120 active volcanoes, and eruptions like this are not uncommon. However, the size of the ash plume and the flight disruptions make this one of the more serious recent events.

Tourism Impact Looms

The eruption is likely to impact tourism in Bali and surrounding islands, as June marks the start of the high season for international travelers. While no official tourism warnings have been issued beyond the flight cancellations, prolonged airspace disruptions or ongoing volcanic activity could lead to broader economic consequences.

Bali’s tourism and aviation authorities are monitoring the situation closely, with updates being posted through airport websites and airline platforms. Travelers have been advised to check with their airlines for the latest information.