On March 20, 2025, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a volatile volcano on Indonesia’s Flores Island, erupted with a ferocity that sent an ash plume soaring 8 kilometers into the sky. The initial eruption, lasting over 11 minutes, marked the beginning of a series of seismic events that continued into the next day, with three additional eruptions recorded by Friday, March 21. Located in the East Nusa Tenggara province, this twin volcano system unleashed hundreds of earthquakes in the week prior, signaling its unrest.
The ash cloud, drifting westward, has wreaked havoc on air travel far beyond Flores, grounding flights at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport, some 500 kilometers away. At least seven international flights were canceled, including six Jetstar routes to Australia and an Air Asia flight to Kuala Lumpur, as reported by The Guardian. Several other carriers, such as Qantas and IndiGo, faced delays, stranding travelers eager to reach Bali’s famed beaches or return home.
Indonesia’s disaster response escalated the alert to its highest level, expanding the danger zone around the volcano to 8 kilometers. Unlike a deadly eruption in November 2024 that claimed nine lives, no casualties have been reported this time, though heavy rains raise concerns about potential mudflows, according to AP News. The local airport in Maumere, near the volcano, remains operational, but Bali’s airspace bears the brunt of the disruption.
This event underscores Indonesia’s precarious position within the “Ring of Fire,” a seismic hotspot with 120 active volcanoes. The November eruption had already forced the cancellation of 90 flights, per ANTARA News, and this latest outburst revives fears of prolonged travel chaos. Airlines and authorities are monitoring the situation closely, with travelers advised to check updates as ash continues to threaten engines and safety.
For Bali, a global tourism magnet, the ripple effects are significant yet geographically distant from the eruption’s source. Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki’s activity serves as a stark reminder of nature’s power to disrupt even the most idyllic destinations, leaving thousands to adjust plans amid an unpredictable volcanic spectacle. Further details on the eruption’s scope can be found at Newsweek, as the region braces for what may come next.
