Following massive volcanic eruptions from Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, several airlines resumed flights to Bali on Thursday after multiple cancellations grounded travelers and disrupted Bali’s bustling tourism. The airport, a crucial gateway for international tourists, saw a partial return to normal operations despite ongoing volcanic activity.
On Wednesday, over 83 international flights were cancelled from Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport after Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki released a towering 9-kilometer-high column of volcanic ash into the atmosphere, blanketing nearby areas and obstructing air travel. General Manager Ahmad Syaugi Shahab confirmed that as of Thursday morning, volcanic ash had shifted direction, easing airport operations. Still, the situation remains fluid as eruptions continue to pose potential hazards to aviation and local residents.
The eruption marks the latest in a series of over a dozen explosive events from Mount Lewotobi, which sits on Flores Island but affects a broad area of Indonesia’s tourism-heavy regions, including Bali. Over the past two weeks, the volcanic activity has claimed at least nine lives and forced the evacuation of thousands from nearby villages. Volcanic ash, hot gases, and lava flows present ongoing risks to communities and infrastructure, and the frequent eruptions have fueled uncertainty among tourists, many of whom have already been affected by travel disruptions.
Thursday’s flight resumptions came as a relief to thousands of stranded travelers. Singapore Airlines (SIA) and its budget carrier, Scoot, resumed several flights to and from Bali, though some were delayed. In a statement, Singapore Airlines noted that while it has retimed flights, two services canceled on Wednesday remained unavailable due to the hazardous conditions.
Budget carrier Scoot confirmed it had also retimed two of its flights between Bali and Surabaya. Australian carriers Qantas and Jetstar have similarly resumed limited services, with Qantas noting that two of its delayed flights from Wednesday were among those cleared for takeoff on Thursday. Qantas Group assured customers that it is closely monitoring the situation and working on contingency plans, including possible additional recovery flights if conditions further stabilize.
In a response to AFP, AirAsia stated it would resume some of its Bali flights later on Thursday, and Virgin Australia posted an update confirming it would restart flights to and from Denpasar. However, travelers have been urged to stay informed about potential schedule changes as volcanic activity continues to impact air safety.
While Bali has been heavily affected by the volcanic disruptions, neighboring regions such as Labuan Bajo have also experienced interruptions. Labuan Bajo, a prominent tourist destination due to its proximity to Komodo National Park, saw airport closures on Wednesday. By Thursday morning, however, the Labuan Bajo airport announced its reopening, although residents and officials remain vigilant as Mount Lewotobi’s volcanic ash and lava continue to impact the surrounding area.
In a statement on Instagram, Labuan Bajo airport officials advised travelers to monitor updates for potential further disruptions and assured that airport staff were prepared to implement swift measures in case of future eruptions. The Indonesian volcanology agency has indicated that the eruption continues to produce a thick column of ash and visible lava flows, underscoring the ongoing risks of volcanic fallout in the region.
The Indonesian economy—and Bali’s in particular—is deeply reliant on tourism, which was just beginning to recover from the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. With international arrivals steadily increasing in recent months, the Lewotobi eruptions pose an additional threat to this economic revival. Hotels, restaurants, and tourism services around Bali had welcomed the returning crowds, but continued disruptions from volcanic activity threaten to hinder this comeback.
Bali, famous for its beaches, temples, and vibrant culture, has had to endure repeated setbacks from natural disasters over the years. The island sits within Indonesia’s tectonically active Ring of Fire, an area where the Pacific and Indo-Australian plates converge. Indonesia is particularly disaster-prone, with frequent earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis impacting the region.
Despite the challenges, Bali’s tourism industry is resilient, and local authorities have assured that safety measures are in place to protect both residents and visitors. While air quality has been affected by the ash cloud, Bali’s resort areas remain generally safe for tourists, according to Indonesian authorities. However, residents near Mount Lewotobi are being urged to continue following evacuation orders and monitor alerts from the volcanology agency.
Mount Lewotobi is composed of two volcanoes—Laki-Laki (meaning “man” in Indonesian) and Perempuan (meaning “woman”). While Laki-Laki has been the more active of the two, Perempuan, its calmer counterpart, has not erupted recently. This unique twin-volcano formation is both a geological wonder and a cultural icon, symbolizing a balance between the active and dormant forces of nature. Residents and scientists alike keep a close eye on both mountains as a change in one can often signal potential activity in the other.
Historically, eruptions from Lewotobi have fluctuated in intensity and frequency, making it difficult for scientists to predict precise activity patterns. In response to the current eruptions, Indonesia’s volcanology and geological disaster mitigation agency has increased its monitoring efforts and stationed experts in the region to provide real-time updates to local authorities.
Indonesia’s disaster response teams have been deployed to handle evacuations and assist affected communities around Mount Lewotobi. Due to the remote and rugged terrain surrounding the volcano, evacuations and relief efforts have been challenging. Over recent years, Indonesian authorities have improved their disaster response infrastructure, but the need for further investment remains, particularly in the more remote regions vulnerable to volcanic eruptions and other natural disasters.
To aid in the evacuation process, the government has utilized drones and satellite imagery to assess the spread of volcanic ash and potential lava flow hazards. Relief stations have been set up in safer zones away from the volcano, offering shelter, food, and medical services to the evacuees. As of now, there are reports of more than 5,000 people displaced from the area, with numbers expected to increase if eruptions persist or intensify.
The Indonesian government has pledged additional resources to bolster disaster preparedness in the region. In the coming days, local and national officials are expected to discuss long-term measures to protect communities living near Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, including the possibility of enhanced early warning systems and improved evacuation routes.
The ongoing eruptions have sparked health concerns among the local population. Exposure to volcanic ash can lead to respiratory problems, skin irritation, and eye issues, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and children. Authorities are distributing masks and providing medical support to address these health risks, and the local health department has warned residents to minimize outdoor exposure.
Beyond immediate health concerns, the volcanic activity has also impacted agriculture and water supplies. Volcanic ash has settled over farmland, affecting crops and reducing the availability of clean water sources. For many villagers near Lewotobi, agriculture is a primary livelihood, and the potential for crop damage poses an added burden to communities already struggling with the challenges of displacement.
The volcanic activity has drawn global attention as travelers from countries around the world find themselves affected by delays and cancellations. Governments, including those of Australia, Singapore, and the United States, have issued travel advisories for Indonesia, urging tourists to stay updated on developments and remain flexible with travel plans. Many airlines are waiving change fees for travelers whose plans are affected by the eruption, with some offering refunds for canceled flights.
For tourists currently in Bali or nearby islands, officials advise caution and adherence to safety guidelines. Visitors are encouraged to keep in close contact with their airlines and travel agents, as conditions may change with little notice. Tourism boards are working to minimize the impact on visitor experiences by offering information and support for those affected.
