Volcanic Eruption Forces Flight Cancellations to Bali

The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands has caused widespread disruption to air travel in the region. The ongoing volcanic activity, which began on November 3, has led to the deaths of at least nine people and resulted in a significant ash cloud that has forced multiple airlines to cancel flights to and from Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS).

Airlines Halt Operations Due to Ash Cloud

Ngurah Rai International Airport has reported over 90 flight cancellations and more than 100 delays today, with at least 60 cancellations recorded yesterday. Airlines including Virgin Australia, Qantas, Jetstar, AirAsia, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Indian carriers such as Air India and IndiGo have suspended services, citing safety concerns posed by volcanic ash.

Virgin Australia has canceled all flights to and from Denpasar, Bali, through at least November 13 and is offering alternative arrangements to affected passengers. Australian travelers, a significant demographic for Bali tourism, have also been impacted by cancellations from Qantas and Jetstar, which have grounded flights through at least noon on November 14.

International carriers are similarly affected, with Korean Air canceling flights to Seoul, Malaysia Airlines halting services to Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore Airlines suspending flights to Singapore. Despite the disruptions, some flights have continued to operate; however, passengers are urged to check with their airline before traveling to the airport.

Impact of Volcanic Ash on Air Travel

Volcanic ash clouds pose a serious threat to aviation safety. Ash particles can damage aircraft engines, reduce visibility, and create hazardous conditions for flights. Officials report that the ash column from Mount Lewotobi has reached an altitude of 10 km (32,808 feet), directly within the cruising range of commercial aircraft.

Authorities have enforced a 7-km exclusion zone around the crater and closed four regional airports on Flores Island. The timeline for resuming normal operations at DPS remains uncertain as the volcanic activity continues.

Historical Context of Ash-Related Disruptions

This situation is reminiscent of previous volcanic disruptions, such as the 2010 eruption of Iceland's Eyjafjallajökull volcano, which grounded millions of passengers globally during a six-day airspace shutdown. More recently, ash clouds disrupted operations at Mexico City International Airport in February 2024 and affected Borneo airspace during the summer.

Advice for Travelers

Passengers with planned travel to Bali are advised to stay informed through airline updates and be prepared for potential delays or cancellations as the situation evolves. Airlines are working to accommodate travelers with rebooking and alternative arrangements.