Major Disruptions to Australia–Bali Routes
Australian flights to Bali faced cancellations and delays on Monday after Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted again. The eruption sent volcanic ash and material 18 kilometres into the sky. It marked the volcano’s second major eruption in as many months.
At least five return flights between Australia and Bali were cancelled. Airlines warned passengers of further possible delays depending on ash movement. Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and Qantas confirmed that multiple services had been affected.
Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted again
Virgin Australia Cancels Bali Services
Virgin Australia cancelled three international flights to Bali following the eruption. The airline cited safety concerns as the primary reason. “The safety of our guests and crew is our highest priority,” a Virgin spokesperson said. The airline’s meteorologists are closely monitoring the situation and ash activity. Virgin Australia encouraged travellers to check flight status via the website or app.
Qantas Delays Flights to Denpasar
Qantas delayed flight QF43 from Sydney and QF45 from Melbourne to Denpasar on Monday afternoon. The delays followed assessments by the airline’s meteorologists and operations teams. A Qantas Group spokesperson said, “Safety is always our top priority,” and that customers would be contacted if disruptions continued.
🔴 INDONESIA :📹 SPECTACULAR ERUPTION OF MOUNT LEWOTOBI LAKI LAKI VOLCANO ON FLORES ISLAND
Bali flights cancelled as Laki Laki erupts with huge 18km ash plume. #Ultimahora #Lewotobi #Volcano #Eruption #Volcan #Erupcion pic.twitter.com/SMEt4Co9qO
— LW World News (@LW_WorldNews) July 7, 2025
Jetstar Cancels Bali Departures from Perth
Jetstar also cancelled two scheduled departures from Perth Airport to Bali. Flights JQ106 and JQ116 were removed from the evening schedule. “Impacted customers have been notified directly and provided a range of options,” Jetstar stated. The airline promised to monitor the situation and notify travellers of any further changes.
Airport Operations Continue in Bali
Despite flight cancellations, Ngurah Rai International Airport remained operational. InJourney Airports confirmed ongoing airport activities. Volcanic ash has disrupted air travel but not halted airport functions in Denpasar.
Geological Agency Issues Maximum Alert
Indonesia’s MAGMA agency raised its emergency alert for Mount Lewotobi to the highest level. The agency recorded a column of hot ash reaching 18 kilometres into the atmosphere. Muhammad Wafid, Geology Agency chief, said the eruption produced clouds of gas, rocks, and lava. These avalanched up to five kilometres down the slopes.
Observations from drones showed lava filling the crater. The agency also recorded continuous volcanic earthquakes. “An eruption of that size certainly carries a higher potential for danger,” Wafid stated. He added, “We shall re-evaluate to enlarge its danger zone.”
Communities Advised to Take Precaution
Authorities urged residents to maintain a six-kilometre distance from the volcano. Residents were advised to wear face masks to guard against ash exposure. The agency warned of possible lahar floods if heavy rainfall occurred. Lahar refers to volcanic mudflows that endanger riverside communities.
There were no immediate reports of casualties from the latest eruption. The emergency response remained focused on monitoring volcanic activity and protecting nearby communities.
Previous Eruptions Disrupted Flights
This week’s eruption follows a series of volcanic events dating back to November 2024. That eruption killed nine people, injured dozens, and caused mass evacuations. It also cancelled numerous international flights to Bali.
The volcano erupted again in March and then on 18 June 2025. The June eruption forced the exclusion zone to be doubled to seven kilometres. About three dozen flights between Australia and Bali were affected by the June eruption. Airlines impacted included Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Air India, Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand.
Also Read: Erin Patterson and the Deadly Lunch: Inside Australia’s Mushroom Murder Trial
Mount Lewotobi’s History and Location
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki is one of a twin volcano formation alongside Mount Lewotobi Perempuan. Both are located on the tourist island of Flores in eastern Indonesia. The volcano stands 1,584 metres tall and frequently shows signs of seismic activity.
Indonesia has 120 active volcanoes and is home to 270 million people. The archipelago sits along the “Ring of Fire,” a seismic belt encircling the Pacific Ocean. This geographic feature makes Indonesia one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries.
Authorities Monitor Danger Levels
Geology agency chief Muhammad Wafid confirmed the volcano’s activity level remains very high. “Marked by explosive eruptions and continuous tremors,” he added. MAGMA continues to monitor changes in volcanic behaviour and may expand exclusion zones again.
Flight Status Updates Ongoing
Airlines continue to advise customers to check websites and apps for the latest travel updates. Meteorologists are tracking ash movement across affected regions. Travellers are advised to remain alert and flexible with plans.
International aviation agencies remain in coordination with Indonesian authorities. All decisions on flight safety are made based on real-time data and risk assessments.
