Bali volcano eruption sparks Victorian flight chaos

Victorian travellers heading to Bali are facing flight cancellations and delays after a major volcanic eruption in Indonesia forced evacuations and disrupted air travel.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, located on Flores Island, erupted late Tuesday, sending a huge ash plume 10,000 metres into the air. Indonesian authorities immediately raised the alert to the highest level and ordered evacuations from villages within seven kilometres of the crater.

“Analysis of visual and instrument data showed increased activity, so we raised Lewotobi’s status to Level IV,” Geological Agency head Muhammad Wafid said.

Jetstar and Virgin Australia confirmed that several flights between Melbourne and Bali have been delayed or cancelled as a safety precaution. Volcanic ash can severely affect aircraft engines and visibility, forcing airlines to adjust schedules based on changing conditions.

“Safety remains our top priority, and we are committed to providing updates in real time,” Bali Airport General Manager Ahmad Syaugi Shahab said.

The Australian government’s Smartraveller service has advised a high degree of caution for all travel to Indonesia. Victorians planning holidays or already in Bali are urged to monitor airline schedules closely and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Disaster response teams have been deployed around Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, with no injuries reported so far. Emergency crews are distributing masks and monitoring the risk of further eruptions and dangerous volcanic mudflows.

Other active volcanoes across Indonesia, including Mount Merapi in Central Java and Mount Ibu in the Maluku Islands, are also under watch, raising concerns about further disruptions to travel across the region.

Victorian travellers are being reminded to check their travel insurance policies and ensure coverage for natural disasters, with experts warning that flight schedules may remain unpredictable as the situation unfolds.