Bali Flights Cancelled Due to Dangerous Volcanic Ash

Several airlines have cancelled flights to and from Bali following a recent eruption from Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in Indonesia, which has sent dangerous ash clouds into the skies near the popular holiday island. Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia are among the airlines notifying passengers of the disruptions, citing safety concerns as the volcanic ash makes it unsafe to fly.

Details of the Eruption and Airline Cancellations

Over the weekend, Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted, spewing a column of ash nearly 9km (6.2 miles) into the sky. This eruption comes just a week after a previous major eruption from the same volcano tragically claimed 10 lives. Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology has warned that the ash could potentially drift northward toward parts of Australia, prompting additional travel precautions.

Jetstar announced it has canceled all flights to and from Bali until 12:00 Australian Eastern Daylight Time on Thursday. Virgin Australia followed suit, suspending its Bali flights on Wednesday, with the company stressing that passenger safety remains their top priority. Other airlines, including Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific, India’s IndiGo, Malaysia’s AirAsia, and Singapore Airlines, have also canceled or adjusted flight schedules due to the ash cloud.

Impact on Travelers and Local Events

The eruption and resulting ash cloud have significantly impacted travel and local events. Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, the general manager of Bali’s international airport, reported that 22 international flights and 12 domestic flights were disrupted on Tuesday, with further cancellations expected.

The volcanic ash has also affected other activities in Indonesia. A jazz festival planned in Labuan Bajo, about 600km from Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, has been postponed until next year to ensure attendee safety.

Indonesia’s Volcanic Activity and the “Ring of Fire”

Indonesia is no stranger to volcanic activity, as it sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a tectonically active region known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The country has about 130 active volcanoes, and eruptions have previously impacted aviation. For instance, in 2020, ash clouds from Mount Merapi forced the closure of an airport in Solo.

Volcanic ash poses a severe risk to aviation, as it can damage engines and reduce visibility. Airlines monitor such situations closely, and the latest cancellations highlight the precautions taken to ensure passenger safety.

What Travelers Should Know

For those with travel plans to Bali, it’s essential to stay updated on flight schedules and contact airlines for the latest information. Airlines are closely monitoring the situation, and it’s likely that additional flights may be canceled if the ash cloud continues to pose a threat. Travelers may need to consider alternative plans as Indonesia’s volcanic activity continues to impact the region.

The eruption serves as a reminder of the volatile nature of the Ring of Fire region, where natural phenomena often disrupt daily life and events. Both local authorities and airlines are working to prioritize public safety in response to this latest volcanic activity.