Australian travellers are facing disruptions as flights between Australia and Bali have been cancelled or delayed, following an eruption of Mount Lewotobi on Flores Island in Indonesia. The volcano, which reaches 1,584 metres in height, erupted late last night, sending ash, lava, and stones approximately nine kilometres into the atmosphere, the Indonesian Centre for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation has reported.
The agency noted a surge in seismic activity and has advised that visitors should keep an eight-kilometre distance from the volcano due to potential dangers, including rain-induced lava flows in nearby rivers. In light of the situation, Jetstar has cancelled all Bali flights for this morning but anticipates that flights scheduled for later in the day may operate as planned. They are monitoring the situation closely and suggest passengers check their flight status on Jetstar’s website before heading to the airport. Travellers whose flights were affected can change their bookings without incurring additional fees or opt for credit vouchers.
While Jetstar has faced significant cancellations, Virgin Australia has not cancelled any flights yet but is experiencing some delays on two services departing from Melbourne and Brisbane. They are actively monitoring the ash cloud’s movement and emphasised that safety is their primary concern. Currently, there have been no disruptions reported for Qantas flights.
Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and follow official guidance, cautioning against misinformation. As the situation evolves, travellers are advised to stay informed and prepared for possible changes to their travel plans.