Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a prominent twin-peaked volcano located on the island of Flores in Indonesia, erupted on Thursday, 2024, producing a significant ash cloud that reached an altitude of 8 kilometers (approximately 26,247 feet) into the atmosphere. The eruption lasted for 11 minutes and nine seconds, prompting authorities to raise the volcano’s alert status to the highest level due to the potential risks associated with such explosive activity.
Despite the dramatic eruption, fortunately, no damage was reported to nearby villages. However, the event had a considerable impact on air travel in the region. By Friday morning, at least seven international flights departing from Indonesia’s renowned resort island of Bali were cancelled, disrupting travel plans for numerous passengers.
According to Andadina Dyah, a spokesperson for Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport, six of the cancelled flights were operated by Jetstar, all destined for various locations in Australia, while one flight by AirAsia was heading to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In addition to the cancellations, several other flights—both domestic and international—faced delays, affecting routes to popular destinations including Thailand and Singapore.
The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki serves as a reminder of the dynamic geological activity within Indonesia, an archipelago situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, known for its numerous active volcanoes. As authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, travelers are advised to stay informed about flight status and safety regulations.
