Volcanic eruption in Indonesia forces Air India Delhi-Bali flight to return; several global flights cancelled
PTC Web Desk: An Air India flight en route from Delhi to Bali was forced to return mid-air on Wednesday following a volcanic eruption in Indonesia’s eastern archipelago, disrupting international flight operations and stranding hundreds of passengers. Flight AI2145, which took off from Delhi on the morning of June 18, was advised to return to Indira Gandhi International Airport due to the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, located on the island of Flores, approximately 1,000 km east of Bali.
The volcano erupted on Tuesday, spewing an ash column nearly 10 km into the atmosphere, prompting aviation alerts across the region. “Due to reports of volcanic activity near the destination airport in Bali, flight AI2145 was advised to return to Delhi in the interest of passenger safety,” an Air India official stated. The aircraft landed safely back in Delhi, and all passengers were safely deboarded.
Air India extended its apologies to passengers and announced comprehensive support, including hotel accommodation, full refunds, or complimentary rescheduling for those affected. “We deeply regret the inconvenience and are committed to ensuring minimum disruption,” the airline added.
Several international & domestic flights cancelled
The volcanic eruption has had a widespread impact on air travel in the region. According to the airport authorities in Bali and Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency, several international and domestic flights were cancelled. These include services by Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand, Tigerair Singapore, and China’s Juneyao Airlines, all of whom cited the volcanic eruption as the reason for cancellations.
Jetstar confirmed that multiple flights to and from Bali were cancelled or delayed. “Forecasts indicate that the ash cloud will likely dissipate by late tonight. Affected flights are expected to resume operations later this evening,” the airline noted in an official statement.
Despite the air traffic disruptions, Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport remains operational. An airport customer service representative said, “The airport is functioning normally, but individual airlines are making decisions based on route safety and conditions.”
Domestically, several AirAsia flights to Labuan Bajo, another popular tourist destination on Flores Island, were also grounded.
Indonesia’s geological agency raised the alert level for Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki to the highest tier. Volcanic tremors continue to be recorded, indicating ongoing activity. Ashfall has blanketed nearby villages, prompting at least one village evacuation late Tuesday. The authorities warned residents and tourists to avoid the 7-km danger zone around the crater.
In addition, experts have warned of the possibility of lahar floods—a dangerous mixture of volcanic debris and water—especially in areas surrounding riverbanks, should heavy rainfall occur.
No casualties or structural damage have been reported so far. However, memories of the November 2024 eruption, which claimed nine lives and grounded numerous international flights, have resurfaced, prompting heightened caution.
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, whose name translates to “man” in Indonesian, is part of a twin-peaked volcanic system paired with a smaller, less active summit referred to as “woman.” Indonesia, with its position along the Pacific Ring of Fire, remains highly prone to volcanic and seismic activity.
Travellers with upcoming flights to Bali are advised to check with their airlines and stay updated on official advisories.
- With inputs from agencies
