[aviation news]
On July 7, 2025, Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport faced significant flight disruptions due to a powerful eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki.
The volcano is located on Flores Island, approximately 800 kilometres east of Bali. The latest eruption spewed an ash cloud approximately 18 kilometres into the sky.
The scale of the event prompted Indonesia’s geological agency to issue its highest-level emergency alert. This natural event led to the cancellation of at least 24 flights to and from Bali, affecting thousands of travellers and underscoring the region’s vulnerability to volcanic activity.
Flight Disruptions: July 7
The eruption, which occurred around 11.00am local time, created hazardous conditions for regional aviation. Volcanic ash, composed of fine, abrasive particles, poses a severe risk to aircraft engines, potentially causing engine failure, and can reduce visibility, complicating navigation.
As a result, widespread cancellations and delays were experienced on the neighbouring island of Bali. Major Australian carriers Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia were among those impacted. AirAsia Indonesia services were also affected, along with other carriers including Philippine Airlines and Jeju Air.
Virgin Australia cancelled at least three international flights to Bali. Meanwhile, Qantas delayed key routes, including QF43 (Sydney to Denpasar) and QF45 (Melbourne to Denpasar).
Other international routes to destinations like Singapore and domestic connections within Indonesia also faced disruptions.
Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, General Manager of Ngurah Rai International Airport gave comment on the situation. “Several airlines serving the routes to Labuan Bajo (on Flores), Australia, Singapore, and South Korea have confirmed cancellations and delays.”
Bali, a global tourism hotspot, relies heavily on its air connectivity, and such disruptions ripple through the travel industry. The cancellations stranded passengers, many of whom took to social media to express frustration and seek updates.
Ngurah Rai International Airport remained operational, but airlines made real-time decisions based on the ash cloud’s trajectory. This was influenced by prevailing wind patterns.
Current Status
By the evening of July 7, no clear timeline for full resumption was confirmed, with airlines monitoring conditions overnight. Travelers were advised to check flight statuses directly with carriers via apps or websites and to contact travel agents for rebooking or refund options.
Many airlines offered flexibility, allowing passengers to rebook without fees or receive full refunds. This event follows a pattern of disruptions in 2025 caused by Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki.
Earlier eruptions in March and June led to similar cancellations, with 7 and 32 flights grounded, respectively.
Unlike Mount Agung, Bali’s own volcano, which last erupted in 2019, Lewotobi’s ash clouds drift into Bali’s airspace, affecting flight paths.
The volcano’s heightened activity, including a deadly November 2024 eruption that killed nine, has kept authorities on high alert, with evacuations ordered for nearby villages to mitigate risks like lahar floods.
Conclusion
For travellers to Indonesia, the situation underscores the importance of preparedness. Checking airline updates, securing travel insurance with natural disaster coverage, and following advisories from Bali’s airport authority or Indonesia’s volcanology agency are critical.
As Bali navigates its peak tourism season, the July 7 eruption serves as a reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the need for flexible travel plans.
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