Flights to Bali cancelled amid volcanic eruption

Flights to and from Bali have been cancelled as Indonesia issues its highest alert over a massive volcanic eruption.

Passengers have been left stranded in Indonesia due to volcanic ash affecting the airspace and forcing flights to be cancelled.

The eruption of Mt Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano in eastern Indonesia has left many Kiwis stranded after flight NZ291 due to leave Denpasar Airport in Bali for Auckland at 5.50pm tonight was cancelled.

It comes as the volcano erupted at 10.35 BST, the country’s volcanology agency said, sending the vast cloud above the tourist island of Flores.

BBC reported a 7km exclusion zone was in place around the crater of the 1,584m high twin-peaked volcano. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

Residents around the volcano have been told to “evacuate to safe locations” as tremors were still being detected.

The volcano erupted multiple times in November, killing nine people and forcing thousands to flee.

Air NZ flights cancelled amid eruption of Mt Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano in eastern Indonesia. Picture: William WEST / AFP

Four early morning Jetstar flights between Australia and Bali also cancelled. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nicholas Eagar

Air New Zealand

“NZ290 from Auckland to Bali scheduled for this morning has been cancelled due to volcanic ash forecast to affect the airspace,” Air New Zealand chief operating officer Alex Marren said.

“As a result, the return service NZ291 from Bali to Auckland has also been cancelled.

“The safety of our customers and crew is our top priority and we are closely monitoring the situation.”

Air NZ said it will be rebooking impacted customers on the next available service to get them to their destination safely.

“We recommend customers keep an eye on the Air NZ app or website for the latest information on their flight.”

People watch as Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki spews volcanic materials into the air during an eruption, in Maumere, Indonesia, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Picture: AP Photo

Jetstar

Four early morning Jetstar flights between Australia and Bali on Wednesday have also been cancelled.

The flights are - JQ 31/32 Melbourne to Bali return, JQ 57/58 Brisbane to Bali return, JQ125/126 Adelaide to Bali return and JQ39/40 Sydney to Bali return.

“Impacted customers have been notified directly and provided a range of options,” Jetstar said in a statement.

“We continue to monitor the situation closely and will contact customers directly if there are any further changes to our schedule.

Flights have been cancelled due to affecting the airspace. Picture: Arnold Welianto/AFP

A villager watches the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki as seen from Talibura village in Sikka, East Nusa Tenggara. Picture: AFP

“We recommend customers also check their flight status on Jetstar.com before coming to the airport.

“Safety is always our number one priority, and we thank this morning’s customers for their patience and understanding.”

Virgin Australia

Virgin Australia said it is also closely monitoring the situation to determine whether this afternoon’s scheduled flights can operate.

It has, however, already cancelled four flights – VA45 (Brisbane – Denpasar), VA50 (Denpasar – Brisbane), VA91 (Melbourne – Denpasar), VA92 (Denpasar – Melbourne).

“The safety of our guests and crew remains our highest priority. As a result of the eruption, some flights have been impacted today,” a Virgin Australia spokesperson said.

“Guests travelling to or from Bali are encouraged to check the latest updates on their flight status via the Virgin Australia website or app.”

News.com.au understandsguests will be re-accommodated on flights as soon as it is safe to do so.

“We apologise for the disruption and thank guests for their understanding and patience.”

Qantas

News.com.au understands Qantas has two flights to Denpasar scheduled for later this afternoon (departing from Sydney and Melbourne) that will be delayed by between one and two hours when conditions are expected to have improved.

“Customers will be contacted directly and we thank them for their understanding,” a Qantas spokesperson said.