Thursday, June 19, 2025

The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, located in East Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia, has had a significant impact on the region’s infrastructure, especially air travel. As the volcano spewed ash 11 kilometers (7 miles) into the atmosphere on Tuesday, the Indonesian government raised the alert level for the volcano to the highest possible tier. This marked the beginning of a series of disruptions that have affected thousands of passengers and prompted authorities to take urgent safety measures.

On Wednesday, Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted once again, releasing a 1-kilometer (0.62-mile) high ash cloud that caused even greater concerns for the local population and the aviation industry. As the eruption continued, more than 20 flights to and from Bali, one of Indonesia’s most popular tourist destinations, were either cancelled or delayed. The disruptions were felt far beyond the immediate vicinity of the eruption, as the volcanic ash drifted over several areas of Indonesia, including major tourist hubs and international travel corridors.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation reported that at least 26 flights, both international and domestic, were either delayed or cancelled due to the eruption, leaving more than 14,000 passengers stranded or unable to reach their destinations. Among the affected flights were key routes from international locations such as India, Singapore, and Australia. Bali’s Denpasar International Airport, which serves as a major gateway for travelers to the island, confirmed the suspension of several flights, including those from Singapore Airlines, AirAsia, and Qantas’ budget carrier JetStar.

Singapore Airlines confirmed the cancellation of four flights between Bali’s Denpasar Airport and Singapore. The airline’s budget subsidiary, Scoot, also ceased operations to Bali and its nearby island, Lombok. These cancellations have left many passengers unable to complete their travel plans, with airlines struggling to accommodate those affected.

JetStar, a low-cost subsidiary of Qantas, also cancelled multiple morning flights from Australia to Bali. The airline anticipated additional delays in the afternoon services, citing the ash cloud’s ongoing impact on air travel. JetStar issued a midday travel bulletin stating that while the ash cloud was expected to clear later in the evening, flight schedules would likely be affected throughout the day. The airline urged passengers to monitor flight status updates for the most current information.

AirAsia, which operates both in Malaysia and Indonesia, also experienced significant flight disruptions due to the eruption. Several flights traveling to and from Bali, Lombok, and Labuan Bajo were either cancelled or rescheduled. The airline informed its passengers that the volcanic ash was making air travel unpredictable, and it was doing its best to minimize delays while prioritizing safety. The ash cloud made it impossible for airlines to maintain regular schedules, and AirAsia worked to reschedule flights where possible. The uncertainty surrounding flight operations in the region continues to affect a large number of passengers, with no clear end to the disruption in sight.

To manage the crisis, local authorities in East Nusa Tenggara province closed three airports, including Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport in Maumere, as a precautionary measure to ensure passenger safety. These closures are expected to remain in effect from Wednesday through Thursday, as officials assess the safety risks posed by the volcanic activity. The Ministry of Transportation emphasized that the closures were necessary to prevent accidents and to mitigate the risks posed by volcanic ash clouds, which can severely damage aircraft engines and disrupt airport operations.

While the focus has largely been on air travel disruptions, the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki has also had a serious impact on the communities near the volcano. Local authorities were forced to evacuate residents from two villages located in the immediate vicinity of the eruption. These evacuations are part of a broader emergency response plan designed to safeguard lives and minimize harm from the volcanic activity.

It was reported that the streets of the two affected villages were filled with thick layers of ash, gravel, and sand. Though no casualties have been reported, the situation remains fluid, and authorities are working to ensure that all affected residents are safely relocated to designated shelters.

The presence of volcanic ash in the surrounding areas has significantly disrupted daily life, with many local businesses and public services temporarily halted. The ash cloud has also affected agriculture, with crops covered by the falling debris. It is not yet clear what the long-term impact on the local economy will be, but the immediate priority remains the safety of the residents and the travelers impacted by the eruption.

The Indonesian government has been monitoring the situation closely, with emergency response teams deployed to the affected areas. The country’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has been in constant communication with local authorities to ensure that all necessary safety measures are implemented. In addition to evacuations, the BNPB is providing assistance to those displaced by the eruption, offering shelter, food, and medical support.

Indonesia’s Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center (PVMBG) continues to issue regular updates on the volcanic activity. The agency has advised residents living near Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki to remain on high alert, as further eruptions may occur. The agency’s experts have warned that the volcano could remain active for an extended period, and they are monitoring seismic activity and ash emissions closely to provide the most accurate and timely information.

As the volcanic eruptions continue, travelers are urged to stay informed about the status of their flights and to remain flexible with their travel plans. Airlines and airports are working hard to restore normal service, but the uncertainty caused by volcanic activity makes it difficult to predict when operations will return to normal.

Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates, as flight cancellations and delays are likely to persist until the ash cloud clears and the volcanic activity subsides. In the meantime, the authorities continue to prioritize the safety of both the local population and tourists, and efforts are ongoing to manage the crisis.

The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki has led to widespread disruption in East Nusa Tenggara, with significant impacts on air travel and local communities. While the government and airlines are working diligently to address the situation, the volcanic activity remains a serious threat, and travelers in the region should stay vigilant. As the eruption continues, the primary focus remains the safety of the people affected by the disaster, with emergency measures in place to protect residents and ensure the smooth return of air travel once the volcanic activity subsides.