Flights from Australia to Bali returning to normal after eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki

Airlines have issued important updates for Australians travelling to Bali in the wake of a temperamental volcano spewing ash into the sky for the second day in a row.

Bali-bound holiday-makers can cautiously proceed with their travel plans after facing flight delays and cancellations due to two days of powerful volcanic eruptions in eastern Indonesia.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a 1584m volcano on the island of Flores, erupted twice on Monday sending an 18km high ash cloud into the air in the morning followed by a 13km plume in the evening.

The volcano erupted again on Tuesday morning emitting a 4km high ash cloud.

Several airlines were affected earlier on Tuesday, with volcanic ash still lingering in the region’s airspace and aviation authorities closely monitoring conditions.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupts as seen from Boru village in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. Picture: AFP

However by Tuesday evening, airlines were cautiously optimistic.

Virgin’s Wednesday flights leaving from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane for Denpasar are all slated to leave on time.

Jetstar’s Wednesday flights departing for Denpasar from Perth, Sydney and Brisbane are also scheduled to leave as planned.

“Flights between Australia and Bali are expected to operate as normal today,” a statement from Jetstar reads.

“Volcanic ash from an eruption of Mount Lewotobi in Indonesia is continuing to move west and away from Bali.

“Safety is our top priority, and our meteorologists and operations teams are monitoring the situation closely.

“If there are any disruptions to our operations today, we will contact customers directly by SMS and email.”

On Monday, Indonesian volcanologists warned about the dangers of the eruption.

“An eruption of Lewotobi Laki-Laki Volcano occurred … with the observed ash column height reaching approximately 18,000m above the summit,” Indonesia’s volcanology agency said.

Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki spews volcanic materials during an eruption in East Flores. Picture: Badan Geologi via AP

The volcano spewed a colossal ash tower 18km into the sky. Picture: Badan Geologi via AP

The volcano also erupted weeks ago, also causing widespread flight cancellations to and from the popular tourist destination.

Authorities have warned of the risk of hazardous volcanic mudflows — known as lahars — if heavy rain hits the area, particularly for communities near riverbanks.

So far, there have been no reports of damage or injuries.

Virgin Australia said two scheduled morning departures out of Brisbane and Melbourne to Denpasar on Tuesday were delayed until the afternoon.

“Our team of expert meteorologists is closely monitoring conditions and ash cloud activity following the eruption of Mount Lewotobi yesterday,” a Virgin Australia spokesperson said.

“We encourage guests travelling to or from Bali today to closely monitor their flight status via the Virgin Australia website or app.

Jetstar cancelled some flights on Monday, while Qantas was closely monitoring the situation.

Villagers observe Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki as it erupts. Picture: AFP

Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupts, as seen from Nangahale village in Sikka, East Nusa Tenggara. Picture: AFP

Geology agency head Muhammad Wafid said in a statement the activity level at the volcano was “very high, marked by explosive eruptions and continuous tremors”.

He also urged residents to stay at least 6km away from the volcano and to wear face masks to protect themselves from volcanic ash.

Last month dozens of flights to and from Bali were cancelled after the volcano erupted. Volcanic ash rained down on several communities around the volcano and forced the evacuation of at least one village.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted multiple times in November, killing nine people and forcing thousands to evacuate, as well as the cancellation of scores of international flights to Bali.

Laki-Laki, which means man in Indonesian, is twinned with the calmer but taller 1703m volcano named Perempuan, after the Indonesian word for woman.

Indonesia, a vast archipelago nation, experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”.

Originally published as Flights from Australia to Bali returning to normal after eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki