Major airlines suspended flights to and from Bali Wednesday as ash clouds from Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano created dangerous flying conditions around the popular tourist destination, one week after an eruption killed 10 people.
The volcano’s weekend eruption sent ash columns 9 kilometers (6.2 miles) into the sky, prompting Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology to warn that volcanic ash might drift toward the country’s northern regions.
“Safety is always our highest priority, and our meteorology team is closely monitoring the situation,” Virgin Australia said in a statement announcing Wednesday’s flight cancellations. Jetstar extended its cancellations through noon Thursday Australian Eastern Daylight Time, while Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific, India’s IndiGo, and Malaysia’s AirAsia also suspended services.
Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, general manager of Bali’s international airport, told Reuters that 22 international and 12 domestic flights were affected Tuesday. Singapore Airlines and its budget carrier Scoot cancelled some services, though other flights continued operating through Singapore’s airport.
The volcanic activity has also disrupted regional events, with organizers postponing a jazz festival in Labuan Bajo town, located 600 kilometers from the volcano, until next year due to safety concerns.
Indonesia, situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” with approximately 130 active volcanoes, has a history of aviation disruptions from volcanic activity. In 2020, ash clouds from Mount Merapi forced the closure of an airport in Solo city.
