13-11-2024 (DENPASAR) Twenty-two international flights to and from Bali have been cancelled following the eruption of Mount Lewotobi in East Nusa Tenggara, as volcanic ash from the mountain, situated approximately 500 kilometres from the popular tourist destination, poses significant risks to aviation safety.
The disruption, which began on Tuesday, has left numerous foreign tourists stranded, forcing them to postpone their travel plans. According to the Meteorological Bureau spokesperson, speaking to The Guardian, easterly winds are expected to carry the volcanic ash towards Denpasar’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.
“The ash cloud is projected to drift over Bali and adjacent maritime areas to the south, potentially affecting northern Australian airspace before dissipating late tonight,” the spokesperson explained.
Three major Australian carriers – Jetstar Airways, Qantas Airways, and Virgin Australia – have suspended their operations in response to the threat. The affected routes include services to and from Australian cities Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Brisbane, as well as flights connecting to Incheon, South Korea.
Despite the significant number of cancellations, I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport maintains normal operations for unaffected flights. Aviation authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, prioritising passenger safety while working to minimise travel disruptions.
