Bali flights cancelled due to dangerous volcanic ash

Flights to and from Bali have been significantly disrupted due to dangerous volcanic ash clouds from Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, located near the Indonesian island. Several airlines, including Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and others, have cancelled flights, citing the unsafe flying conditions caused by the ash.

The eruption over the weekend sent a massive ash cloud reaching up to 9 kilometers (6.2 miles) into the sky. This comes just one week after a major eruption of the same volcano, which tragically claimed the lives of 10 people. In light of the ongoing volcanic activity, aviation authorities and airlines have issued warnings regarding the risks associated with the ash, with some airlines grounding flights and advising passengers to make alternate arrangements.

Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology has also raised concerns, warning that the ash cloud could drift toward northern parts of Australia on Wednesday, potentially affecting air travel in the region. As a result, Jetstar has announced the cancellation of all flights to and from Bali until 12:00 Australian Eastern Daylight Time (04:00 GMT) on Thursday. The airline is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as necessary. Other airlines, including Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific, India’s IndiGo, and Malaysia’s AirAsia, have also cancelled flights to and from Bali in response to the ongoing volcanic activity.

Virgin Australia, which also cancelled all its Bali flights on Wednesday, emphasized that passenger safety is always their top priority. “Our meteorology team is closely monitoring the situation,” the airline said in a statement, further reassuring travelers of their commitment to ensuring safe flight operations despite the disruptions.

Meanwhile, Singapore Airlines and its budget carrier Scoot have also cancelled some flights due to the ash cloud, though reports indicate that some flights between Singapore and Bali continued to operate on Wednesday. Singapore’s Changi Airport website confirmed that some flights were unaffected by the ash cloud and were still running as scheduled, but passengers were urged to check for updates before traveling.

Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, the General Manager of Bali’s international airport, confirmed to Reuters that on Tuesday, 22 international flights and 12 domestic flights were affected by the volcanic activity. However, details regarding Wednesday’s flight cancellations have not been made publicly available. The situation remains fluid, and further cancellations are expected if the volcanic activity intensifies.

The ash cloud has not only disrupted air travel but also impacted activities throughout the region. In Labuan Bajo, a town located about 600 kilometers from Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, the planned jazz festival has been postponed to next year due to safety concerns stemming from the ash. This is just one example of how the eruption has affected the daily lives of people in the region, with further disruptions expected in the coming days.

Indonesia, situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is known for its high seismic activity due to the presence of multiple tectonic plates. The country is home to approximately 130 active volcanoes, and volcanic eruptions are a recurring challenge for the nation. Past eruptions, such as those from Mount Merapi in 2020, have had serious consequences for air travel, as ash clouds can severely disrupt flight routes and airport operations.

The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, while significant, is just one of many eruptions that have caused travel disruptions in the region over the years. Volcanic ash clouds can pose significant hazards to aircraft, including engine failure, reduced visibility, and damage to aircraft surfaces. As a result, airlines and authorities take swift action to suspend flights and ensure the safety of passengers and crew.

Travelers planning to fly to Bali are advised to stay in close contact with their airlines for updates on flight statuses. Many airlines are offering assistance to affected passengers, including rebooking options or refunds, depending on individual circumstances. Those who were planning to travel to Bali in the coming days should anticipate possible delays or cancellations and should remain flexible with their travel plans.

In the meantime, efforts to monitor the situation continue as authorities keep a close eye on Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki’s activity. The safety of passengers and local communities remains the primary concern as Bali and surrounding areas deal with the impact of the volcanic eruption.