Govind Tekale
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted on March 20, 2025, sending ash clouds 8,200 feet into the air and causing significant travel disruptions across the region. The Indonesian volcano, located on Flores Island, erupted for over 11 minutes, prompting authorities to raise the alert level to its highest tier.
Flight Cancellations Impact Travelers
The volcanic ash cloud has forced multiple airlines to cancel flights to and from Bali, one of Indonesia’s most popular tourist destinations. As of Friday morning:
- Jetstar confirmed the cancellation of six return flights to Australia
- AirAsia canceled its flight to Kuala Lumpur
- Virgin Australia reported delays to its Brisbane-Denpasar and Melbourne-Denpasar routes
“Impacted customers have been notified directly and provided a range of options, including rebooking on the next available flight,” Jetstar said in a statement. The airline added, “At this stage, there is no impact to this afternoon’s scheduled flights. We continue to monitor the situation closely.”
Safety Measures Implemented
Indonesian authorities have established an exclusion zone of 7-8 kilometers around the volcano. While no immediate injuries or damages have been reported, officials warned nearby communities about potential volcanic mudflows due to heavy rainfall.
The Volcanological Survey of Indonesia (PVMBG) described the ash column as “gray to black with thick intensity” and advised residents in the vicinity to wear masks to protect against respiratory issues from volcanic ash.
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Areas at particular risk include Dulipali, Padang Pasir, Nobo, Klatanlo, Hokeng Jaya, Boru, and Nawakote. These regions face elevated danger from directed blasts and possible lahars, especially during rainy conditions.
Geological Context
Indonesia’s position along the Pacific “Ring of Fire” makes it particularly vulnerable to seismic and volcanic activity. The country is home to more than 120 active volcanoes spread across its archipelago.
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki forms one half of a twin-peaked volcano system on Flores Island. The volcano has been intermittently active since December 2023, with a previous eruption in November 2024 that destroyed homes and claimed nine lives.
Previous Disruptions
This isn’t the first time volcanic activity has affected travel in the region. In November, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted multiple times, killing nine people, canceling numerous international flights to Bali, and forcing thousands to evacuate.
The current eruption presents similar challenges for both locals and travelers, highlighting the ongoing volcanic risks in this geologically active region.
