Indonesia Volcano Eruption Grounds Bali Flights as Mount Lewotobi Spews Ash 6 Miles High

A strong volcanic eruption from Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki in Indonesia on Tuesday evening sent a massive ash plume 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) into the air, causing widespread flight cancellations and triggering Indonesia’s highest volcano alert.

The eruption occurred at 5:35 PM local time, covering parts of Flores Island with ash. An orange, mushroom-shaped cloud was seen as far as 150 kilometers (93 miles) from the site. Officials urged both tourists and locals to stay away from the area for safety.

✈️ Flights to Bali Canceled, Airport Closed

The eruption severely impacted air travel, especially at Denpasar International Airport in Bali, which saw dozens of flights delayed or canceled. Disrupted routes included:

• Domestic flights to Jakarta and Lombok

• International flights to Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, China, India, and New Zealand

The Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport near the volcano was shut down until Thursday for passenger safety, according to AirNav Indonesia. Singapore’s Changi Airport also confirmed cancellations by airlines like Jetstar, Scoot, and AirAsia.

🧳 Tourists Face Travel Chaos

More than 1,000 travelers were affected, especially those heading to Bali and nearby Komodo National Park. Tour operators scrambled to assist tourists with rebooking and accommodations.

One traveler, Athirah Rosli, shared her experience: “I panicked at first when our Jetstar flight was canceled, but we quickly arranged a new hotel, booked insurance, and stayed calm.”

🌫️ Volcanic Activity Remains High

On Wednesday morning, the volcano erupted again, sending a 1-kilometer-high ash column into the air. Officials recorded 50 eruption events in two hours, compared to the usual 8 to 10 per day.

Emergency agencies evacuated nearby villages, warning of possible lava flows due to heavy rains. A 5-mile (8km) danger zone has been declared around the volcano.

🔥 Past Eruptions and Ongoing Risk

This eruption follows recent volcanic activity:

• May 2025: Alert level raised after increased tremors

• March 2025: Flights disrupted due to ash clouds

• November 2024: Deadly eruptions killed 9, injured dozens, and displaced thousands

Indonesia, located on the Ring of Fire, has 120 active volcanoes and is one of the world’s most seismically active regions. Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are frequent due to its position along tectonic fault lines.

📝 Key Takeaways

• Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupts, sending ash over 6 miles high

• Flights canceled in Bali and surrounding regions

• Tourists stranded; emergency evacuations underway

• Officials warn of possible lava flows from rainfall

• Indonesia remains under volcano high alert