Indonesia Volcano Erupts, Ash Soars Over 6 Miles, Bali Flights Canceled

Key Takeaways

• Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted on June 17, 2025, sending ash 11 km into the sky.
• At least 37 Bali flights canceled and Maumere airport closed until June 19 due to ash cloud.
• Residents near the volcano evacuated; no casualties reported but lahar risk remains during rainy season.

A powerful volcanic eruption at Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki on Flores Island, Indonesia 🇮🇩, has caused major disruptions for travelers, airlines, and local communities. The eruption, which began at 5:35 pm local time on June 17, 2025, sent a massive ash cloud over 11 kilometers (about 6.8 miles or 36,000 feet) into the sky. This event triggered Indonesia’s highest-level volcano alert and forced authorities to expand the exclusion zone around the volcano. The effects have rippled far beyond Flores, with dozens of Bali flights canceled or delayed, thousands of passengers stranded, and local residents evacuated from their homes.

What Happened: The Eruption and Immediate Impact

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, erupted with little warning, sending a thick column of ash high into the atmosphere. The eruption was so strong that the ash cloud was visible up to 150 kilometers away. Authorities quickly raised the volcano alert to the highest level on Indonesia’s four-tier scale and expanded the danger zone to an 8-kilometer radius from the crater. Residents and tourists were strictly told to stay out of this area for their safety.

The eruption’s timing could not have been worse for air travel. Bali, a major tourist hub, saw at least 37 flights canceled at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. Airlines affected included Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand, Air India, Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Juneyao Airlines, AirAsia, and others. Some flights were delayed rather than canceled, depending on how the ash cloud moved and forecasts from aviation authorities.

Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport in Maumere, Flores, was also closed until at least June 19 to protect passengers and crew. The closure of these airports left thousands of travelers stranded or scrambling to change their plans.

Evacuations and Local Response

The eruption forced the evacuation of at least two villages near Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki. Residents described streets covered in thick ash, gravel, and sand. Many wore masks to avoid breathing in the ash, which can cause serious health problems. Local disaster agencies moved quickly to get people out of the danger zone and set up temporary shelters.

So far, no casualties have been reported, but the situation remains tense. Authorities are especially worried about the risk of lahar—dangerous volcanic mudflows that can happen if heavy rain mixes with ash and debris. Muhammad Wafid, Head of Indonesia’s Geology Agency, warned that people need to stay alert for this threat, especially during the rainy season.

Ongoing Disruptions: Bali Flights and Beyond

The eruption’s impact on Bali flights has been severe. Bali is one of the world’s top tourist destinations, and its airport is a major gateway for travelers from Australia, New Zealand, India, Singapore, and other countries. The sudden cancellations and delays have left many travelers stuck at the airport or in hotels, unsure when they will be able to continue their journeys.

Airlines have responded in different ways. Jetstar notified customers directly about cancellations and delays, offering rebooking options and monitoring the situation for further updates. Air India provided hotel accommodation, full refunds, or free rescheduling for affected passengers after a flight was forced to return to Delhi. Other airlines are also working to help stranded travelers, but the situation is complicated by the ongoing volcanic activity and changing ash cloud patterns.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the disruption to Bali flights highlights the vulnerability of air travel in Southeast Asia to natural disasters like volcanic eruptions. Volcanic ash is extremely dangerous for airplanes because it can melt inside jet engines, causing them to fail, and can sandblast aircraft surfaces, damaging sensors and reducing visibility. Aviation authorities are taking no chances, strictly following safety protocols and adjusting flight routes as needed.

Step-by-Step Guidance for Affected Travelers

If you are a traveler affected by the Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki eruption or Bali flight cancellations, here are some practical steps you should take:

1. Check Flight Status:
Regularly check your airline’s website and the official Bali airport website for the latest updates on flight cancellations and delays.

2. Contact Airlines:
Reach out to your airline directly for information about rebooking, refunds, or accommodation options. Many airlines, including Jetstar and Air India, are offering support and alternatives.

3. Review Travel Insurance:
Look at your travel insurance policy to see if it covers natural disasters like volcanic eruptions. Some policies may not cover these events unless there is a government travel advisory in place. Contact your insurer for clarification.

4. Monitor Local News and Advisories:
Stay updated on volcanic activity and government advisories, especially regarding exclusion zones and evacuation orders. The situation can change quickly.

5. Follow Safety Instructions:
If you are in an affected area, wear a mask to avoid breathing in ash and follow all evacuation orders from local authorities.

6. Stay in Touch with Embassies:
If you are a foreign national, contact your country’s embassy or consulate for assistance and updates.

For official updates on volcanic activity and safety advisories, you can visit the Geology Agency, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources website.

The Human Side: Stories from Travelers and Residents

Many travelers have shared their frustration and anxiety over the sudden changes to their plans. Some have been able to rebook flights or extend their stays in Bali, while others face uncertainty and extra expenses for hotels and meals. Airlines are doing what they can, but not all travel insurance policies cover volcanic events, leaving some travelers out of pocket.

Local residents near Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki are dealing with even greater challenges. Besides the immediate risk from the eruption, they face property damage from ashfall and the threat of lahar if rain falls. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency is working to provide shelter and support, but the situation remains difficult for many families.

Impact on the Tourism Industry

Bali’s tourism industry is feeling the effects of the eruption and flight disruptions. Hotels, tour operators, and local businesses rely heavily on the steady flow of international visitors. With so many Bali flights canceled or delayed, there are immediate financial losses. If volcanic activity continues, there could be longer-term impacts as travelers reconsider their plans.

Tourism officials are urging patience and understanding, emphasizing that safety comes first. They are also working with airlines and local authorities to get operations back to normal as soon as possible.

Aviation Safety: Why Volcanic Ash Is So Dangerous

Volcanic ash is not like the soft ash from a campfire. It is made up of tiny, hard particles of rock and glass. When these particles get into airplane engines, they can melt and stick to engine parts, causing the engines to fail. Ash can also scratch and damage the outside of the plane, including the windows and sensors that pilots use to fly safely.

Because of these risks, aviation authorities in Indonesia 🇮🇩 and around the world take volcanic eruptions very seriously. They use satellite images, weather forecasts, and reports from pilots to track ash clouds and decide when it is safe to fly. Sometimes, flights are delayed instead of canceled if the ash cloud is expected to move away soon.

Local Communities: Evacuations and Health Risks

For people living near Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, the eruption has brought fear and disruption. Evacuations are stressful, especially for families with children or elderly members. Ashfall can damage crops, contaminate water supplies, and make roads slippery and dangerous.

Health officials warn that breathing in volcanic ash can cause coughing, sore throats, and breathing problems, especially for people with asthma or other lung conditions. Wearing masks and staying indoors as much as possible can help reduce these risks.

Background: Indonesia’s Volcanic Landscape

Indonesia 🇮🇩 is home to about 130 active volcanoes, more than any other country in the world. This is because it sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region where several tectonic plates meet and cause frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki has a long history of eruptions. In November 2024, an eruption killed nine people and injured dozens. Another eruption happened in May 2025. These events are reminders of the constant threat that volcanoes pose to people living in Indonesia 🇮🇩.

Policy Changes and Disaster Management

The eruption has led to several important policy actions:

• Alert Level Raised: The Geology Agency raised the alert to the highest level, signaling that more eruptions could happen.
• Danger Zone Expanded: The exclusion zone was expanded to 8 kilometers from the crater. Residents and tourists must stay out of this area.
• Flight Operations Adjusted: Airlines are closely monitoring the ash cloud and changing flight schedules as needed.
• Evacuation Orders: Local disaster agencies have ordered evacuations for villages within the danger zone and are watching for lahar risks, especially if it rains.

These steps are meant to keep people safe and reduce the risk of injuries or deaths.

What’s Next? Short-Term and Long-Term Outlook

Short-Term:
The ash cloud from Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki is expected to clear by Wednesday night, June 18, but authorities are watching closely for more eruptions or aftershocks. Flight schedules may return to normal if the ash disperses, but travelers should stay alert for updates.

Medium-Term:
There is still a risk of further eruptions or lahar flows, especially if heavy rain falls. Local communities and airlines will need to stay prepared for more disruptions.

Long-Term:
Indonesia 🇮🇩 will continue to face volcanic risks. Authorities may review policies on travel insurance, emergency response, and disaster preparedness to help people cope with future eruptions. The tourism industry will also need to adapt to the ongoing threat of natural disasters.

Multiple Perspectives: Stakeholders Respond

• Travelers: Most understand that safety comes first, even if it means delays and extra costs. Some are frustrated by the lack of clear information or slow responses from airlines.
• Airlines: Focused on passenger safety, offering flexible rebooking and refunds where possible, but also dealing with financial and operational challenges.
• Local Residents: Worried about their homes, health, and future, especially if the eruption continues or gets worse.
• Tourism Industry: Facing immediate losses and uncertainty about how long the disruption will last.

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

If you need help or more information, here are some important contacts:

• Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB): For evacuation and safety updates.
• I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (Bali): For flight status and airport operations.
• AirNav Indonesia: For airspace and airport closures.
• Geology Agency, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources: For volcanic activity updates (official website).
• Your Airline: For rebooking, refunds, and travel updates.
• Your Embassy or Consulate: For assistance if you are a foreign national.

Summary Table: Key Facts

Actionable Takeaways

• Travelers: Stay informed, follow safety advice, and contact your airline for support.
• Residents: Follow evacuation orders and protect your health by avoiding ash exposure.
• Tourism Industry: Work with authorities and travelers to manage disruptions and plan for recovery.
• Authorities: Continue monitoring the volcano, provide clear information, and support affected communities.

The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki is a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being prepared. Whether you are a traveler, a local resident, or part of the tourism industry, staying informed and following official advice is the best way to stay safe during this challenging time. For the most current updates, always consult official Indonesian government sources, your airline, and trusted news outlets.

Learn Today

Volcanic Ash → Small, hard rock and glass particles released during eruptions, harmful to health and airplanes.
Lahar → A dangerous volcanic mudflow caused when rain mixes with ash and debris after an eruption.
Exclusion Zone → A designated area around a volcano where access is restricted to protect public safety.
Volcano Alert Level → A four-tier scale in Indonesia indicating volcano activity severity and risk to nearby areas.
Jet Engine Failure → When volcanic ash melts inside engines, causing malfunction and serious risks during flight.

This Article in a Nutshell

A severe eruption at Mount Lewotobi on June 17, 2025, disrupted Bali flights and forced evacuations. Ash rose 11 km high, closing airports and delaying travelers. Authorities raised the highest alert, expanding exclusion zones for safety. Airlines aid stranded passengers amid ongoing volcanic threats and flight cancellations.
— By VisaVerge.com