Thursday, November 14, 2024 Mount Lewotobi’s eruption disrupts Bali flights as volcanic ash forces airlines like Virgin Australia to cancel services, impacting regional travel safety. The recent eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, located on the Lesser Sunda Islands in Indonesia, has created significant travel chaos. Since its eruption on November 3rd, the volcanic activity has caused severe ash cloud pollution, impacting flight operations to and from Bali.
The eruption has led to the tragic deaths of at least nine individuals and disrupted regional air travel, forcing multiple airlines to cancel or delay flights. Several major airlines have been significantly impacted by the ongoing ash cloud from the volcanic eruption. Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), the main gateway to Bali, has been at the center of the disruptions.
According to data from FlightAware, at least 90 flights were canceled today alone, with over 100 more experiencing delays. The day prior, more than 60 flights were canceled as the situation continued to deteriorate. Airlines affected include: Despite the challenging conditions, some flights have managed to depart successfully.
Travelers are advised to stay informed about their flight status and check directly with their airlines before heading to the airport. Mount Lewotobi’s eruption has been characterized by repeated bursts of volcanic activity, ejecting ash columns as high as 10 kilometers (32,808 feet). This altitude is particularly hazardous.
