Mount Lewotobi erupts for 11 minutes, forcing flight cancellations and triggering Indonesia’s highest alert level

At least seven international flights departing from Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport have been canceled following the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki on Flores Island. The 1,703m twin-peaked volcano erupted for 11 minutes and nine seconds late on Thursday, releasing a thick ash cloud that reached 8km into the sky.

Authorities have since raised the volcano’s alert status to its highest level, warning of possible further eruptions. As of Friday morning (9:45 am local time), six Jetstar flights bound for Australia and one AirAsia flight to Kuala Lumpur were called off, with several other domestic and international flights delayed. Destinations impacted include Thailand, Singapore, and Australia.

Officials from Indonesia’s volcanology agency confirmed that the ash plume was dark grey to black and carried intense density, though no structural damage or injuries have been reported in nearby villages. However, authorities have urged caution, warning that heavy rainfall in the region could lead to volcanic mudflows, which pose an additional risk to surrounding areas.

A 7-8km exclusion zone has been enforced around the volcano, restricting access and advising residents to remain on high alert. The transportation ministry stated that while flights from Maumere Airport, the closest to the eruption site, have not been impacted, the situation is being monitored closely.

The eruption comes just months after a series of explosions in November 2024, which killed nine people, forced thousands to evacuate, and caused widespread flight cancellations.

Indonesia, which sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, frequently experiences seismic and volcanic activity, making ongoing monitoring and preparedness crucial.

Authorities continue to assess the potential for further disruptions, with travellers advised to check flight schedules and follow official guidance as the situation unfolds.