This morning, six return flights from Australia to Bali were cancelled due to unsafe flying conditions. A Jetstar spokesperson said: “Jetstar will resume normal operations between Australia and Denpasar this afternoon as conditions have improved following an earlier eruption of Mount Lewotobi in Indonesia.” Safety is always our number one priority, and our teams will continue to monitor the situation closely and contact customers directly by SMS and email if there is any further impact to our flights.
According to local media, Mount Lewotobi erupted at around 11 PM local time on Thursday night, March 20, 2025. This latest eruption sent ash and debris billowing into the sky, causing significant disruptions for Australian travelers heading to Bali. The eruption has drawn attention not only because of its impact on travel but also due to the hazardous conditions it has created.
Mount Lewotobi, located in the south-eastern part of the remote island of Flores, Indonesia, erupted again overnight, sending rocks, lava, and ash approximately nine kilometers high. The eruption raised concern among local authorities and prompted Indonesian agencies to increase the alert level for the volcano. Indonesia's Centre for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation noted a significant increase in seismic activity, advising visitors and tourists to maintain an eight-kilometer distance from the volcano and warning about potential rain-induced lava floods in regional rivers.
The eruption resulted in Jetstar's immediate cancellation of all flights to and from Bali this morning, yet the airline anticipates that flights will resume as scheduled this afternoon, March 21, 2025. The spokesperson for Jetstar added, “We continue to monitor the situation closely and will contact customers directly if there are any further changes to our schedule.” Jetstar offers flexibility to travelers, allowing those who booked to fly today or tomorrow to either rebook without extra charges or receive a credit voucher.
Virgin Australia reported no cancellations thus far but is facing some delays with two services departing from Melbourne and Brisbane this afternoon, March 21. The disruptions from Bali to Australia are now being felt, affecting not just Jetstar's operations but Virgin Australia as well. Meanwhile, Qantas has stated there are no impacts on its flights today.
As travelers experience disruptions, the local airport in Bali is still operational despite the challenges posed by the volcanic activity. According to a Bali airport spokesperson, there were seven international flights cancelled this morning, but some domestic flights continued to operate. Airport officials are working to keep passengers informed of any changes while ensuring that safety protocols are followed.
The eruption of Mount Lewotobi is a stark reminder of Indonesia's geographical reality, as it has close to 130 active volcanoes sitting on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Mount Lewotobi had previously erupted multiple times in November 2024, leading to fatalities and significant evacuations due to hot rocks and lava flows impacting nearby villages. This recent eruption highlights ongoing volcanic threats in the region.
In reflection of the recent chaotic travel conditions, authorities had indicated that they are still assessing the full impact of the situation following the eruption late Thursday night. With the ash cloud affecting a broad area, airlines are urged to act prudently based on recommendations from geological agencies. Observations from the eruption noted an ash column that appeared grey to black with thick intensity, which raised safety concerns for travelers.
In this incident, one person was reported injured during eruption evacuations, as flights have been suspended to ensure safety for both passengers and local residents. Relief efforts and a strategy for emergency response have been put in place as authorities manage the aftermath of this natural event.
Mount Lewotobi, measuring 1,703 meters (5,587 feet), is renowned for its dual-peaked formation, with one peak being more active than the other. Its activity is being closely monitored and authorities have alert status regulations in effect, as they placed an exclusion zone of 7 to 8 kilometers around the volcano to ensure the safety of local residents.
As the ash cleared and conditions improved, Jetstar was hopeful that normal operations could soon resume, which would offer relief to stranded travelers. In line with their commitment to safety, Jetstar emphasized that they would keep customers informed with real-time updates regarding their flight status, suggesting that passengers check their flight status on Jetstar.com before heading to the airport.
The unpredictable nature of volcanoes often leaves travelers at the mercy of natural events, and this eruption serves as a reminder of the risks associated with volcanic regions. Continuous monitoring from various authorities remains essential as they navigate the balance between ensuring safety and restoring normalcy for air travel.
In conclusion, as airlines, passengers, and local authorities continue to evaluate the situation, updates from Jetstar and other airlines will likely be crucial in determining the next steps in travel plans from Australia to Bali, reflecting the ongoing relationship between natural events and travel in one of the world’s most iconic destinations.
