Several international airlines have canceled flights to and from Bali, Indonesia, due to ongoing volcanic activity. The sudden eruption has left many travelers stranded, affecting both local and international routes.
Tourists at Bali’s main airport have been stranded since Tuesday after unexpected flight cancelations. One traveler, Charlie Austin from Perth, Australia, said that he and his family were left without accommodations when their airline canceled their flight. Another Australian tourist, Issabella Butler, managed to find another airline for her return trip, emphasizing the need to leave the island promptly.
Reports suggest that thousands of travelers are currently stuck at airports in Indonesia and Australia, though the exact number remains uncertain. The volcanic eruption originated from Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki on the island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara. The volcano, standing 1,584 meters (5,197 feet), has been releasing clouds of hot ash since a significant eruption on November 4, which resulted in nine deaths and numerous injuries.
On Tuesday, the volcano erupted at least 17 times, with the highest ash column reaching 9 kilometers (5.5 miles) into the sky. In response, authorities extended the danger zone around the volcano to 9 kilometers (5.5 miles). The eruption has disrupted flights at Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, impacting a total of 46 flights in the past three days—30 departures and 16 arrivals.
Airport authorities reported that 12 domestic and 22 international flights were canceled on Tuesday. Airlines are offering affected passengers refunds, alternative schedules, or rerouting options. Several Australian carriers, including Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Qantas, have halted or delayed flights. Jetstar announced a suspension of Bali flights until at least Thursday, citing safety concerns. Virgin Australia listed 10 canceled flights on Wednesday, while Qantas postponed three flights. Refunds are being offered to passengers who wish to cancel their upcoming trips.
Air New Zealand also canceled flights, citing volcanic ash as the cause, and is monitoring the situation closely. Korean Air had two flights turn back mid-air due to safety concerns, with both planes returning to South Korea early Wednesday.
The eruption's impact goes beyond Bali. In January, around 6,500 residents had to evacuate when Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki began showing increased activity. At that time, the island’s Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport was shut down, though no serious injuries or damage occurred. Several regional airports in the neighboring districts of Ende, Larantuka, and Bajawa have also closed, following a safety advisory due to volcanic ash.
Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki, a part of the "husband-and-wife" volcanic pair in East Flores, is among Indonesia’s 120 active volcanoes. Situated along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," Indonesia frequently experiences earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides.
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