Flights to Bali halted following eruption of Indonesian volcano
Volcano Erupts on Flores Island, Causing Flight Disruptions and Evacuations
Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, a towering volcano standing tall on Flores Island in Indonesia, has erupted yet again. On June 18-19, 2025, ash clouds soared up to 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) into the sky, prompting the Indonesian government to raise the alert level and order evacuations within an extended risk zone.
According to the Indonesian authorities, this volcano is particularly dangerous as it poses a threat of lahars - fast-moving mudflows triggered by heavy tropical rains that can bury homes, roads, and fields. Residents and tourists are advised to stay at least 8 kilometers (5 miles) away from the volcano's crater to avoid hazardous ash fall and potential lahars.
The eruptions have adversely affected air travel in the region. Flores Island's airport has been shut down until at least June 19, and the Bali airport also temporarily halted operations due to ash fall. As a result, numerous flight cancellations have been reported, affecting both domestic routes between Indonesian islands and international flights to destinations such as Australia, China, India, Malaysia, and New Zealand. More than 1,000 tourists find themselves stranded in Bali due to these cancellations.
Lewotobi Laki-laki has been showing increased activity lately, with multiple eruptions in March, May, and now a significant one in June 2025. This volcano is known for its seismic activity beneath the surface, with a recent spike in earthquakes preceding the current eruption. The most devastating eruption on record happened last November, resulting in nine fatalities and forcing thousands to evacuate.
It's crucial to remain vigilant, especially with the anticipated onset of tropical rain that could intensify lahar risks. Authorities are keeping a close eye on the situation and have emergency measures in place to protect both local communities and travelers in the affected areas.
In essence, the recent activity of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki has caused a major volcanic eruption, resulting in high alert, evacuations, airport closures, flight cancellations, and impacting travelers on Bali and Flores Island as of mid-June 2025.
- The international travel community is closely monitoring the situation in Indonesia, as the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki on Flores Island has disrupted flights to destinations such as India, Australia, China, Malaysia, and New Zealand.
- Amidst the ongoing climate-change discussions, the recent volcanic activity serves as a stark reminder of the potential environmental risks associated with natural disasters, like the lahars triggered by heavy tropical rains.
- Despite the challenges faced due to the volcanic eruption, local environmental-science experts are emphasizing the importance of sustainable tourism practices and emphasizing ways to minimize the negative impact of travel on the environment, as it is part of many tourists' lifestyles.
- General-news outlets are covering the aftermath of the Lewotobi Laki-laki eruption, particularly focusing on the increased number of car-accidents caused by drivers rushing to pick up stranded tourists or returning home amid flight cancellations.
- News agencies are also highlighting how the events in Indonesia have brought the local communities together, creating a unique bond among the residents and tourists who are now faced with the common challenge of dealing with a sudden disaster.
