Indonesian authorities reported that dozens of flights to and from Bali were canceled on Monday following an eruption of Mount Lewotobi, which sent volcanic ash as high as 18 kilometers into the atmosphere.
The eruption prompted multiple airlines, including Virgin Australia, Qantas, and Jetstar, to suspend operations due to safety concerns related to the ash plume. International and domestic air traffic was significantly affected, resulting in widespread travel disruptions.
Indonesia’s geological agencies raised the volcano’s alert level due to the intensity of the eruption. Authorities also issued safety warnings to nearby residents, citing the potential for further volcanic activity.
Indonesia, located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity. Officials noted the importance of ongoing monitoring and coordination to manage the impact on aviation and local communities.
Authorities are continuing efforts to assess and mitigate the economic and operational effects of the eruption on Bali’s tourism industry and regional air traffic.
