Key Takeaways
• Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted on June 17, 2025, forcing Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport closure and canceling 87 flights.
• Flights resumed by June 19, but Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport remained closed due to volcanic ash until June 20.
• Authorities evacuated villages near the volcano and keep alert level at IV, signaling ongoing volcanic activity risks.
Flights Resume to Bali After Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki Eruption: What Travelers Need to Know
Flights to and from Bali have resumed after a major disruption caused by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province. The eruption, which began on June 17, 2025, sent a huge ash cloud into the sky, forcing the closure of Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport and affecting thousands of travelers. By June 19, airport operations were back to normal, but the situation remains fluid as authorities continue to monitor volcanic activity.
This article explains what happened, how it affected travelers, and what steps you should take if you are planning to travel to Bali or nearby regions. It also looks at the broader impact on local communities, airlines, and Indonesia’s disaster management policies.
What Happened: The Eruption and Immediate Impact
On June 17, 2025, at 5:35 pm local time, Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted, sending an ash column as high as 10,000–11,000 meters (32,800–36,000 feet) into the atmosphere. This eruption was the largest since November 2024, when the volcano killed at least nine people and caused widespread flight cancellations.
The ash cloud posed a serious risk to aircraft. Volcanic ash can damage airplane engines and make it hard for pilots to see. Because of this, authorities closed airspace around Bali, Lombok, Labuan Bajo, and Maumere. The closure led to the cancellation or delay of 87 flights at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport on June 18, including 66 international and 21 domestic flights.
Airlines such as Malaysia Airlines, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, and AirAsia all suspended flights to and from Bali and other affected airports. Thousands of travelers were stranded, and many had to stay in hotels or wait for updates from their airlines.
Current Status: Flights Resume, But Caution Remains
By June 19, 2025, Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport was fully operational again. Both international and domestic flights were departing and arriving as scheduled. Airlines quickly resumed regular services, and two other airports in East Nusa Tenggara province also reopened. However, Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport in Maumere remains closed until at least June 20 due to lingering volcanic ash.
Passengers are strongly advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates, as the situation could change if volcanic activity resumes. Airline websites, mobile apps, and customer service lines are the best sources for real-time information.
Gede Eka Sandi Asmadi, Head of Communication and Legal Division at Bali Airport, confirmed the resumption of flights and urged all passengers to reconfirm their schedules before heading to the airport.
Why Was Airspace Closed? Aviation Safety and Volcanic Ash
The main reason for the airspace closure was safety. Volcanic ash is very dangerous for airplanes. It can:
- Damage engines: Ash can melt inside jet engines, causing them to fail.
- Reduce visibility: Ash clouds make it hard for pilots to see.
- Affect navigation: Ash can interfere with aircraft instruments.
Because of these risks, aviation authorities and meteorological agencies worked together to close and then reopen airspace as soon as it was safe. The quick response helped prevent accidents and protected both passengers and crew.
How Were Passengers Affected?
The eruption and airport closures caused major disruptions for travelers. On June 18 alone, 87 flights were canceled or delayed at Bali’s airport. Many people were stranded, unable to leave or reach Bali, Lombok, or Labuan Bajo.
Airlines responded by offering:
- Hotel accommodations for stranded passengers
- Refunds or free rescheduling for canceled flights
- Extra flights to help clear the backlog once airports reopened
Travelers were advised to stay in touch with their airlines and check for updates before heading to the airport. Some airlines, like Jetstar and Virgin Australia, scheduled additional flights to help stranded passengers reach their destinations.
Step-by-Step Guidance for Affected Travelers
If your travel plans were affected by the Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki eruption, here’s what you should do:
1. Check Your Flight Status
– Visit your airline’s website or use their mobile app (for example, AirAsia MOVE).
– Contact airline customer service for the latest updates.
– Check the official Ngurah Rai International Airport website for airport-wide announcements.
2. Rescheduling and Refunds
– Airlines are offering free rescheduling or full refunds for canceled flights.
– Contact your airline’s customer support to request a new booking or a refund.
– Keep all receipts and confirmation emails for your records.
3. Airport Procedures
– Arrive at the airport with updated flight information.
– Allow extra time for check-in and security, as operations may still be busier than usual.
– Follow airport staff instructions and look for signs with updated information.
4. Monitor Official Updates
– Follow your airline and airport on social media for real-time updates.
– Listen for announcements at the airport.
– Stay flexible, as the situation can change quickly if volcanic activity increases again.
For more information on airport operations and updates, you can visit the official Ngurah Rai International Airport website.
Impact on Local Communities and Disaster Response
The eruption did not just affect travelers. Dozens of residents from at least three villages near Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki were evacuated for their safety. Local disaster management agencies coordinated these evacuations and provided shelter and aid.
Authorities also warned about the risk of lahar, which is a dangerous volcanic mudflow that can happen during heavy rain. People living within 8 kilometers of the volcano were told to stay alert and follow evacuation orders.
The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) raised the volcano’s alert status to Level IV (Alert), the highest on Indonesia’s four-level scale. This means the volcano is very active, and more eruptions could happen at any time.
Airlines and Airport Authorities: Response and Recovery
Airlines and airport authorities worked quickly to manage the crisis. Their main goals were to keep passengers safe, provide clear information, and restore normal operations as soon as possible.
- Airlines: Focused on passenger safety and customer service. They offered flexible rebooking, refunds, and extra flights.
- Airport Authorities: Prioritized reopening the airport and communicating clearly with travelers. Gede Eka Sandi Asmadi, a senior official at Bali Airport, played a key role in keeping the public informed.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the rapid response by airlines and airport authorities helped minimize chaos and restore confidence in travel to Bali.
The Broader Picture: Indonesia’s Volcanic Risks and Travel
Indonesia 🇮🇩 is located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki is one of the country’s most active volcanoes, erupting 427 times in 2025 alone. The November 2024 eruption killed at least nine people and caused similar flight disruptions.
Because of this, Indonesia has developed strong disaster management and aviation safety protocols. Authorities regularly monitor volcanoes and work closely with airlines to manage risks. However, as this latest eruption shows, natural disasters can still cause sudden and widespread disruptions.
Policy Implications and Future Preparedness
The 2025 eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki highlights the need for ongoing vigilance and strong emergency plans. Indonesian aviation and disaster management agencies may review and update their protocols, including:
- Improved early warning systems for volcanic eruptions
- Better communication with travelers and local communities
- Stronger support mechanisms for stranded passengers
Aviation and volcanology experts stress that volcanic ash clouds are unpredictable. Rapid response and clear communication are key to keeping people safe and minimizing disruption.
What Should Travelers Do in the Future?
If you are planning to visit Bali or other parts of Indonesia, here are some tips to help you prepare for possible disruptions:
- Stay informed: Check for travel advisories and updates from your airline and airport.
- Be flexible: Have a backup plan in case your flight is delayed or canceled.
- Keep important documents handy: Bring copies of your passport, visa, and travel insurance.
- Follow official instructions: Listen to airport staff and local authorities, especially during emergencies.
Travelers should also consider purchasing travel insurance that covers natural disasters, including volcanic eruptions. This can help cover extra costs if your trip is disrupted.
Multiple Perspectives: How Different Groups Were Affected
Airlines
Airlines faced a tough challenge balancing passenger safety with the need to keep flights running. They responded by:
- Suspending flights as soon as the ash cloud appeared
- Offering refunds and free rebooking
- Scheduling extra flights once airports reopened
Airport Authorities
Airport officials worked around the clock to:
- Monitor the situation with volcanology experts
- Communicate with airlines and passengers
- Reopen the airport as soon as it was safe
Travelers
Passengers experienced inconvenience, uncertainty, and sometimes financial loss. However, most airlines provided support through accommodation, flexible rebooking, and clear communication.
Local Communities
People living near Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki faced the greatest risk. Many had to leave their homes and rely on government aid. The eruption was a reminder of the ongoing dangers faced by communities living near active volcanoes.
Historical Context: Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki and Indonesia’s Volcanic Activity
Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki has a long history of eruptions. In November 2024, a major eruption killed at least nine people and caused widespread flight cancellations. The volcano has erupted hundreds of times in 2025 alone, making it one of Indonesia’s most active.
Indonesia’s location on the Ring of Fire means that volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are a regular part of life. The country has invested in disaster management systems, but the risks remain high.
Looking Ahead: Monitoring and Preparedness
Authorities will continue to monitor Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki closely. The volcano’s alert status remains at the highest level, and further eruptions could happen at any time. If volcanic activity increases, airspace closures and flight cancellations could return.
Travelers should remain vigilant and flexible with their plans. Airlines and airports are ready to respond quickly, but natural disasters can still cause sudden changes.
Indonesian authorities may also review their emergency protocols to improve early warning systems and passenger support. This could include better communication tools and more resources for stranded travelers.
Official Resources and Where to Get Help
If you need the latest information or assistance, use these official resources:
- Ngurah Rai International Airport: Official website
- AirAsia Customer Support: support.airasia.com
- Jetstar Flight Status: jetstar.com
- Virgin Australia Customer Service: virginaustralia.com
- Indonesia’s Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG): pvmgb.esdm.go.id
- Local Disaster Mitigation Agency: Accessible via Indonesian government portals
For up-to-date information on volcanic activity and travel advisories, you can also visit the U.S. Department of State’s travel page for Indonesia.
Key Takeaways for Travelers and Stakeholders
- Flights to and from Bali have resumed after the June 17, 2025, eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki.
- Ngurah Rai International Airport is fully operational, but travelers should check with airlines for the latest updates.
- Volcanic activity remains a risk, and the situation can change quickly.
- Airlines and authorities responded quickly to protect passengers and restore normal operations.
- Local communities near the volcano were evacuated and remain at risk from further eruptions and lahar.
- Travelers should stay informed, flexible, and prepared for possible disruptions when visiting Indonesia.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the response to the Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki eruption shows the importance of strong disaster management and clear communication in keeping travelers and local communities safe.
If you are planning a trip to Bali or anywhere in Indonesia, keep these tips and resources in mind. Stay safe, stay informed, and enjoy your travels.
Learn Today
Ngurah Rai International Airport → Bali’s primary airport closed temporarily due to volcanic ash from Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki eruption.
Volcanic Ash → Fine particles from volcanic eruptions harmful to aircraft engines and visibility, triggering airspace closures.
Lahar → Dangerous volcanic mudflows caused by rain mixing with volcanic debris near eruped volcano areas.
Alert Level IV → Indonesia’s highest volcano alert indicating very active volcano with potential for further eruptions.
Disaster Management → Coordinated efforts by authorities to minimize harm from natural hazards like volcanic eruptions.
This Article in a Nutshell
After the June 17, 2025 eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, Bali’s main airport closed, canceling flights. Flights resumed June 19. Travelers should watch updates, expect possible disruptions, and follow safety guidance as volcanic activity continues to threaten regional airspace and local communities, highlighting Indonesia’s ongoing volcanic risks.
— By VisaVerge.com
