Travelers heading to Bali and other Southeast Asian destinations this week have been met with chaos after a powerful volcanic eruption grounded dozens of flights and disrupted international travel.

Euro News reported that Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted Tuesday, sending a massive ash cloud 10,000 meters into the air. The plume, visible up to 150 kilometers away, quickly forced airlines to cancel or reroute flights due to safety concerns.

Another eruption followed Wednesday morning, prompting authorities to raise the alert to the highest level and expand the danger zone around the volcano to 8 kilometers.

The immediate impact has been widespread flight cancellations across Asia and the Pacific. More than 20 flights in and out of Bali were called off, including routes connecting to Australia, India, Malaysia, and China.

Singapore Airlines and its budget carrier Scoot canceled all flights to Bali and nearby Lombok. JetStar canceled several morning departures from Australia, and other flights were delayed or rescheduled. Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand, and Juneyao Airlines also canceled service.

Even Air India was forced to turn a flight around mid-air and return to Delhi, citing safety risks from airborne volcanic debris.

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While no injuries or fatalities have been reported from the eruption, the fallout for travelers has been immediate. Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport reported thousands of disrupted passengers.

Indonesia’s volcanology agency warned that ash and debris had fallen far outside the danger zone, affecting villages and regions not previously considered at risk.

The shutdown isn’t limited to Bali. Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport in Maumere has been closed through Thursday to protect travelers, according to AirNav Indonesia.

Volcanic ash poses a serious threat to aircraft. It can damage engines, obscure cockpit visibility, and compromise essential flight systems. Even small particles can lead to engine failure or force emergency landings, making the widespread cancellations not only frustrating but necessary for safety.

Indonesia, home to over 130 active volcanoes, sits on one of the most volatile seismic regions in the world. Eruptions like this one are not rare, but their timing is unpredictable, and the consequences are immediate for air travel.

Airlines say the ash cloud may clear by late Wednesday, but travelers should continue checking for updates.

If you’re flying to or from Indonesia, expect delays, and have a backup plan ready.

Surprising Reason Flights to Bali Are Being Canceled Without Warning first appeared on Men’s Journal on Jun 19, 2025