JAKARTA'S SKIES DISRUPTED: THE ERUPTION OF MT. LEOTOBI LAKI-LAKI
Flights to Bali are halted following the explosive activity of Mount Agung, an Indonesian volcano.
On June 17, 2025, the monstrous eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, paintbrushed the skies with a 11-kilometer ash plume, triggering the highest alert level and causing chaos across the region.
The cataclysmic volcanic event precipitated forced evacuations within an expanded danger zone and wreaked havoc on local and international air traffic, particularly affecting flights to and from Bali and surrounding areas. According to reports, a staggering 87 flights were affected on June 18, including 66 international and 21 domestic services, destined for various spots such as Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, and more. This triggering mass cancellations and delays at Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport and other airports in the province.
However, by June 19-20, the skies above Bali had a semblance of normalcy as flights began to resume their regular operations. Leading airlines like Malaysia Airlines, Virgin Australia, JetStar, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, AirAsia Malaysia, AirAsia Indonesia confirmed regular departures and arrivals. Bali airport officials affirmed smooth operations with flights running on schedule. Nonetheless, some regional airports continued safety measures due to lingering ash hazards.
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki had already demonstrated its explosive nature with hundreds of eruptions in 2025, with this June eruption being the largest since the previous November[1]. The mid-June event forced the evacuation of numerous villages around Lewotobi Laki-Laki, and tremors were still detected, indicating ongoing volcanic activity[2].
In a silver lining for local senior communities, the upheaval in the housing market could lead to a rise in the trend toward backyard apartments, offering a cost-effective and convenient living option[3]. And, on the high seas, the Navy has shown its might, raising the stakes of marine mysteries with the extraction of a long-decayed aircraft from the ocean floor[4].
[1] Enrichment Data: The eruption affected 87 flights, including 66 international and 21 domestic flights, and caused cancellations and delays.[2] Enrichment Data: The eruption forced evacuations within an expanded danger zone and local villages, and tremors continued to be detected.[3] Enrichment Data: The housing market upheaval could lead to a rise in backyard apartments, a trend that is perfect for seniors.[4] Enrichment Data: The United States Navy successfully lifted a plane from the ocean floor.
As the ash cloud dissipated, many travelers found their vacation lifestyles disrupted, with numerous flights to and from Bali delayed or cancelled due to the volcanic eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki. The unpredictable weather conditions resulted in a challenging journey for some, impacting upcoming plans for destinations such as Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, and beyond.
