A volcanic eruption in Indonesia has caused widespread flight cancellations to and from Bali and other local airports. The eruption occurred on Tuesday afternoon, releasing a massive cloud of ash that rose 10,000 meters into the sky. Several more eruptions followed on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning, with the latest sending ash up 1,000 meters high.
The danger zone around Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki has been expanded to 8 kilometers from the crater, but ash and debris fell in nearby villages, including Boru, Hewa, and Watobuku. Residents of Nurabelen village fled to evacuation sites to avoid the impact of the eruption.
More than 20 flights have been cancelled, including services connecting Bali to Australia, Malaysia, India, and China. Low-cost carriers JetStar and Scoot have also cancelled flights, while Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia have delayed some flights.
The risk posed by volcanic ash clouds is a concern for planes, as they can cause severe damage to aircraft engines and affect flight controls. When ash enters an engine, it can melt glass parts and block sensors, reducing visibility for pilots.
Indonesia is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire and Alpide Belt, making it prone to seismic activity and volcanic eruptions. The country has around 130 active volcanoes, with Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki last erupting in May and March.
Source: https://www.euronews.com/travel/2025/06/18/is-it-safe-to-fly-to-bali-indonesia-volcano-eruption-causes-cancellations-and-delays