Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki Eruption Disrupts Bali Travel, Causes New Major Flight Delays and Cancellations for Australian and Southeast Asian Tourists

Published on July 8, 2025

The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki on the Indonesian island of Flores has sparked major disruptions in air travel, affecting many flights to and from Bali. The powerful eruption sent clouds of volcanic ash soaring up to 11 miles (18 kilometers) into the air, triggering flight cancellations and significant delays for both international and domestic passengers. Airlines such as Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Indonesia AirAsia have all faced disruptions, particularly with their flights operating in and out of Bali, one of the world’s most beloved tourist destinations.

This volcanic event occurred just weeks after a similar eruption in mid-June, which also caused flight chaos and prompted evacuations in nearby villages. The eruption, which took place at 11:05 AM local time on July 7, was preceded by months of seismic activity around Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes. As the ash and gas billowed from the volcano, flights were forced to reroute, and passengers were left stranded or severely delayed.

Bali, a cultural and tourist hub known for its stunning beaches, vibrant arts scene, and rich cultural heritage, has been the focal point of the chaos. For many travelers, the island represents the perfect getaway, but now, it is facing yet another challenge as it grapples with the aftermath of a volcanic eruption that has grounded flights, diverted arrivals, and caused considerable disruptions.

Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki: A Volcanic Giant in Southeast Asia

Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted on July 7 at 11:05 AM local time, propelling volcanic material to unprecedented heights. The eruption is not an isolated incident; Lewotobi has had a long history of explosive activity. In fact, the volcano’s previous eruption in November 2024 claimed at least nine lives and injured many others when ash, lava, and gravel shot as high as 2,000 meters and spread as far as 7 kilometers from the crater. This eruption occurred just one month ago, on June 18, sending ash up to 6 miles into the air and disrupting air traffic once again.

The consequences of the eruption on July 7 were immediate, with the volcano’s gas clouds causing significant damage to air travel operations in the region. Although Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport remained open, flights were still heavily affected. According to FlightRadar, some flights from popular international hubs, including Singapore, Jakarta, and Bangkok, were diverted to other airports. However, many flights continued to experience delays throughout the day.

For travelers hoping to make it to their Bali holiday, it became a waiting game. Flight departures, including those from cities like Sydney and Melbourne, faced long delays, with some cancellations throughout the day. For example, a Qantas flight to Sydney, originally scheduled to depart at 10:10 PM on July 7, was delayed until 12:30 PM the following day. Similar disruptions were experienced by other major carriers like Virgin Australia and Jetstar, who promptly informed their passengers of cancellations or delays due to the volcanic eruption.

In a statement to the media, Virgin Australia assured customers that their safety was the airline’s top priority, adding that its team of meteorologists was closely monitoring the situation. Similarly, Qantas emphasized that safety remained paramount and assured travelers that they would be notified promptly if their flights were impacted.

What Does This Mean for Travelers?

For tourists planning to visit Bali or other parts of Indonesia, the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki has created significant travel headaches. While Ngurah Rai International Airport is still operational, flights to and from the island remain at the mercy of the volcanic ash cloud. Airlines like Jetstar, Qantas, and Virgin Australia have had to cancel several flights, especially those heading to Australian destinations like Sydney and Melbourne, as well as regional flights from Southeast Asia.

Most flights to Bali were either delayed or canceled, especially those departing from major hubs in Southeast Asia. Passengers traveling from airports like Singapore, Jakarta, and Bangkok were rerouted to other airports, a direct result of the volcano’s eruption. For those already on their way, delays continued throughout the day, and passengers were left with little option but to wait and monitor updates from their respective airlines.

The risk posed by volcanic ash to aviation is significant. Ash clouds can severely damage jet engines, clogging engine components and risking the safety of flights. Additionally, volcanic ash can reduce visibility for pilots in the cockpit, making navigation particularly challenging. As a result, airlines typically delay or cancel flights if the ash cloud interferes with flight paths. For airlines, it’s not just a matter of inconvenience but of ensuring the safety of passengers and crew.

What Are Your Rights if Your Flight Is Affected?

If your flight is canceled or delayed due to circumstances beyond the airline’s control, like a volcanic eruption, it’s important to understand your rights as a passenger. According to European law, passengers are entitled to certain compensations and accommodations when their flights are canceled or significantly delayed, but this doesn’t apply to flights departing from airports outside the EU. For those flying from Southeast Asia or Australia, the rights of passengers will depend on the airline’s policy.

In most cases, airlines will rebook passengers on the next available flight to their destination, often at no additional cost. They may also provide assistance with accommodation, meals, and communication while travelers wait for their rescheduled flights. However, compensation for the disruption due to a volcanic eruption is typically not available, as the event is considered an external factor outside the airline’s control.

For those whose flights are canceled or delayed, it’s crucial to stay informed. Airlines like Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and Qantas have all advised their passengers to keep an eye on flight status updates through their apps or websites. This proactive approach helps travelers avoid being caught off guard and enables them to adjust their plans accordingly.

What Advice Does the Government Offer?

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) has not released specific travel advice related to this recent eruption. However, travelers are encouraged to refer to general travel advice about Indonesia’s volcanoes, particularly Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki. The FCDO recommends avoiding travel to the immediate vicinity of volcanoes, especially those located near the eruption’s epicenter. As of now, travel warnings have been issued for several other Indonesian volcanoes, including Mount Sinabung and Mount Semeru, where the FCDO advises against all travel within a 5 to 7 km radius of the crater.

For tourists looking to visit Indonesia or Bali in the near future, it’s essential to stay updated on any changes to government advisories, especially if your travel plans involve close proximity to active volcanoes. The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki has highlighted the volatility of the region, with travel disruptions being a significant concern for tourists.

What Should You Do If You Have a Trip Planned?

If you have a trip booked to Bali or other parts of Indonesia, the first step is to contact your holiday provider or airline. If your flight is canceled or delayed due to the eruption, your rights will depend on your travel insurance policy and the airline’s regulations. It’s important to check your travel insurance to determine if it covers cancellations due to natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions. Many policies include provisions for such events, but the specifics can vary.

In general, if the Foreign Office has not issued a specific travel warning, airlines and holiday providers are under no obligation to refund bookings. However, depending on your provider’s policy, you may be able to reschedule or postpone your trip without incurring cancellation fees. If you are not able to travel due to the eruption, it’s crucial to discuss your options with your insurer and airline.

For now, travelers to Bali and other Indonesian destinations are advised to exercise caution, stay informed, and be prepared for potential delays. Monitoring volcanic activity and airline communications will help minimize the impact of the eruption on your travel plans.

In conclusion, the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki has caused widespread disruptions to air travel, especially to and from Bali. While the airport remains open, flights have been severely delayed, and many have been canceled. Travelers are advised to stay in contact with their airlines and monitor flight statuses for the latest updates. As this situation evolves, it is crucial to remain flexible and prepared for potential changes to travel plans.