Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted yesterday, forcing the cancellation or delay of at least 24 international flights.
Adding to the drama, intense and unseasonal thunderstorms also swept across Lombok, Bali and Java on Sunday, which also caused delays and diversions.
Virgin Australia was forced to cancel at least three flights, Qantas delayed two and Jetstar also cancelled several flights, leaving passengers looking for alternatives.
This morning Virgin was also forced to delay two scheduled departures out of Brisbane and Melbourne to Denpasar until this afternoon as it continues to monitor ash cloud movement.
Travellers heading to or coming home from Bali are advised to stay flexible and monitor news from both airlines and Indonesian authorities closely.
The eruption saw ash spewed more than 18 kilometres into the air with surrounding villages blanketed for the second time in recent months. There have been no reports of any injuries caused by the incident.
Located in East Nusa Tenggara province, the volcano has now had its alert status raised to its highest level following a similar eruption on June 18. Indonesian authorities have expanded the exclusion zone to a seven-kilometre radius, warning that more activity is Lolikely.
Geology Agency chief Muhammad Wafid said this latest eruption sent the highest column of ash into the air since November 2024, when an earlier blast from the same volcano killed nine people.
“This level of eruption significantly raises the risk to aviation,” Wafid told The Associated Press, noting the danger zone may be further expanded to protect both locals and tourists.
What This Means for Australian Travellers:
- If you’re planning to fly to or from Bali this week, check your airline for the latest updates and be prepared for changes or cancellations.
- Travellers already in Bali may experience extended stays or need to make alternative travel arrangements.
- Those planning to visit volcanic or mountainous areas in Indonesia should pay close attention to local warnings and avoid affected zones.
