On June 17, 2025, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a highly active volcano on Indonesia’s Flores Island, erupted violently, sending a towering 10,000 metre ash cloud into the sky.
This dramatic event, occurring just 500-800 kilometres east of Bali, triggered widespread flight cancellations and left thousands of travellers stranded.
The eruption, one of several in 2024 and 2025, underscores the challenges of air travel in Indonesia’s volatile Ring of Fire region.
This article explores the impact of the June 17 eruption on Bali’s aviation, the response from airlines, and what travellers need to know.
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Volcanic Eruption Sparks Chaos
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, standing at 1,584 meters, roared to life on June 17, 2025, with a powerful eruption that blanketed the region in ash.
The ash cloud, reaching 10 kilometres high, posed a severe threat to aviation, as volcanic ash can damage jet engines and obscure visibility.
Indonesia’s Centre for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation raised the volcano’s alert level to its highest, enforcing an 8-kilometer exclusion zone.
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Authorities evacuated at least one nearby village, while ash rain fell in areas beyond the restricted zone. Ongoing tremors signalled potential for further activity, keeping officials on high alert.
The eruption’s timing, during Bali’s peak tourist season, amplified its impact. Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport, a major hub for international and domestic flights, faced immediate disruptions as airlines prioritized safety.
The event echoed earlier disruptions in November 2024 and March 2025, when similar eruptions from the same volcano grounded flights for days.
Bali Flight Cancellations and Delays
The ash cloud forced airlines to cancel or delay flights to and from Bali on June 18, 2025. Virgin Australia cancelled all flights between Brisbane, Melbourne, and Bali, leaving passengers scrambling for alternatives.
Jetstar, another major carrier, halted four flights from Australia to Bali, while Qantas monitored conditions for its afternoon services.
Air New Zealand cancelled two flights between Bali and Auckland, rebooking passengers for later dates, such as June 21. International carriers, including Singapore Airlines and airlines from China and India, also suspended Bali routes.
Domestic flights on Flores Island continued, but with uncertainty due to the volcano’s activity. The cancellations stranded thousands of tourists, particularly Australians and New Zealanders, who form a significant portion of Bali’s visitors. Social media posts reflected frustration, with travellers sharing stories of delays and rebooking challenges.
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Airline and Government Response
Airlines swiftly implemented contingency plans. Virgin Australia and Jetstar offered refunds, travel credits, or rebooking options for affected passengers.
Air New Zealand provided accommodations for some stranded travellers. Qantas, while avoiding cancellations, advised passengers to check flight statuses online. Airlines emphasized safety, noting that volcanic ash poses unacceptable risks to aircraft.
Indonesian authorities, meanwhile, worked to manage the crisis. The government urged residents near Mount Lewotobi to stay vigilant, warning of potential mudflows due to heavy rainfall mixing with ash.
Bali’s airport authorities monitored airspace conditions, ready to resume operations once the ash cloud dissipated. No specific resumption date was confirmed by June 18, but past eruptions suggest flights could resume within days if conditions improve.
Advice for Travelers
If you’re planning to fly to or from Bali, take these steps to navigate the disruption:
Check Flight Status: Visit your airline’s website or app for real-time updates. Jetstar, Qantas, and Virgin Australia provide regular alerts.
Contact Airlines: Reach out for rebooking, refunds, or credits if your flight is cancelled.
Review Insurance: Check your travel insurance for coverage of volcanic disruptions.
Stay Informed: Follow updates from Indonesia’s volcanology agency or local news for safety advisories.
Looking Ahead
The June 17 eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki highlights the unpredictable nature of Indonesia’s volcanic landscape.
While Bali remains a top tourist destination, travellers must prepare for sudden disruptions during active volcanic periods.
Airlines and authorities are working to restore normalcy, but patience is key. As the situation evolves, staying informed and flexible will help travellers manage this latest challenge in paradise.
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