Pilotcenter.net News: Flights to and from Bali Canceled Due to Volcanic Ash

Recently, multiple airlines across Asia have made the difficult decision to cancel flights to and from Bali. This unfortunate disruption is a result of dangerous volcanic ash stemming from the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, located nearby. As reported by the European Commission Emergency Response Coordination Centre, Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, a volcano situated on Flores Island in Indonesia, has had several eruptions since November 3, 2024. Tragically, this has led to nine fatalities and the evacuation of over 11,000 individuals residing close to the volcano.

The volcanic activity has been particularly severe in East Flores regency, East Nusa Tenggara province, roughly 500 kilometers from Bali. The European Commission ERCC has raised concerns, highlighting that the situation remains intense, with the alert level for Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki currently set at level four—a clear indication of serious hazard.

The volcanic ash has caused significant reductions in visibility, impacting flight paths and creating unsafe travel conditions. Consequently, major airlines like Qantas, Jetstar, AirAsia, and Virgin Australia have ceased operations for safety reasons, as noted by local media outlet ACD on November 13, 2024.

Qantas, for instance, has enacted a flight policy for passengers holding tickets to and from Denpasar Airport (DPS) between November 13 and November 22, 2024, acknowledging the risks posed by the volcanic ash. Similarly, Jetstar has announced flight cancellations and delays for Jetstar Asia flights to and from DPS Airport until November 14, 2024, 09:00 local time, citing safety concerns linked to the Mount Lewotobi eruption.

In response to the situation, AirAsia has altered its flight schedules, canceling or rescheduling various flights to and from Bali, Lombok, and Labuan Fajo due to the volcanic ash. Meanwhile, Virgin Australia has also adjusted its flight itinerary, canceling all flights in and out of Denpasar for November 13, 2024, affecting a total of 15 flights.

Distressed travelers who have found themselves stranded at DPS Airport since November 12, 2024, expressed their frustrations with the ongoing disruptions. Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, the General Manager of DPS Airport, shared insights into the chaotic scenario at the airport, mentioning that 84 flights have been affected in the last four days, with departures and arrivals facing significant limitations due to the volcanic activity.

As the situation continues to evolve, passengers are advised to stay informed about their flight status and make necessary arrangements before heading to the airport. The challenges posed by this natural disaster serve as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of travel and the resilience required to navigate unforeseen circumstances.