Air New Zealand flights canceled as Mt Lewotobi volcano eruption strands travelers in Bali
Air New Zealand canceled its scheduled flights to and from Bali on Wednesday, June 18, following the eruption of Mt Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano in eastern Indonesia. The decision comes after volcanic ash was forecast to impact the region's airspace, affecting both inbound and outbound services.
Flight NZ290 from Auckland to Bali was scheduled for Wednesday morning but was canceled due to safety concerns. As a result, the return flight NZ291, due to depart Denpasar Airport in Bali at 5:50 p.m. local time (9:50 p.m. NZT) for Auckland, was also canceled.
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'NZ290 from Auckland to Bali scheduled for this morning has been cancelled due to volcanic ash forecast to affect the airspace. As a result, the return service NZ291 from Bali to Auckland has also been cancelled,' said Air New Zealand Chief Operating Officer Alex Marren. 'The safety of our customers and crew is our top priority and we are closely monitoring the situation.'
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Passengers impacted by the flight disruptions are being rebooked on the next available services. The airline advised travelers to monitor the Air New Zealand app or website for updates.
Among the affected passengers is NZME head of radio news and sport Scarlett Cvitanovich, who reported being rebooked to fly out Saturday night, June 21. She noted that despite being on the same island as the volcano, she is approximately 600 kilometers away from the eruption site.
Mt Lewotobi activity prompts evacuations, ongoing monitoring
The eruption of Mt Lewotobi Laki-Laki occurred at 5:35 p.m. local time (9:35 p.m. NZT) on Tuesday, June 17, with Indonesia's volcanology agency reporting that the ash column reached up to 10,000 meters above the summit.
'The height of the eruption column was observed at approximately 10,000 metres above the summit. The ash column was observed to be grey with thick intensity,' the agency stated. The alert level remains at the highest tier in the four-level warning system.
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Authorities advised residents and tourists to avoid activities within 7 kilometers of the volcano's crater. Geology agency head Muhammad Wafid also cautioned about potential lahar flows, mud or debris floods from volcanic material, especially during heavy rain in nearby river basins. Face masks were recommended to guard against ash inhalation.
At least one village has been evacuated, according to National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesperson Abdul Muhari. He also reported ashfall in several communities outside the exclusion zone and advised residents to move to safer areas due to continued tremors.
Mt Lewotobi Laki-Laki had erupted multiple times in November, causing fatalities and extensive flight cancellations. The twin volcano, paired with the taller and currently calmer Mt Lewotobi Perempuan, sits on Indonesia's seismically active 'Ring of Fire.'
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