DENPASAR, Indonesia – Several international airlines have suspended flights to and from Bali after renewed eruptions of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, which have sent ash clouds up to 10 kilometers high and forced widespread evacuations. The recent eruptions, beginning with a deadly blast on November 3 that killed nine people, have led to continuous ash plumes and hazardous travel conditions near Bali’s Ngurah Rai airport.
Jetstar and Qantas announced flight cancellations on Wednesday due to safety concerns related to volcanic ash, with AirAsia and Virgin following suit. Flight tracking website Flightradar24 showed grounded flights, adding to a growing list of disrupted travel plans across Asia. In total, 80 flights between Bali and major cities, including Singapore, Hong Kong, and multiple Australian locations, were canceled from November 4 to 12, according to Ngurah Rai airport’s general manager, Ahmad Syaugi Shahab.
The volcanic activity comes as Indonesia, home to nearly 130 active volcanoes and part of the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” continues to experience seismic volatility. Authorities report ash fallout in nearby regions and are monitoring the situation closely, as Bali remains a top tourist destination for travelers, especially from Australia.
