Lewotobi Volcano Eruptions Disrupt Flights Across Indonesia’s Archipelago

Volcano erupts Again in Indonesia, Ash Cloud Reaches 13km

Jakarta, Indonesia – A volcano in Indonesia erupted violently on Monday evening, sending a towering ash column 13 kilometers into the atmosphere. This follows earlier activity and underscores the region’s ongoing volcanic unrest.The latest eruption occurred at 7:32 p.m. local time, escalating concerns for nearby communities. authorities have not yet issued evacuation orders, but are closely monitoring the situation.

Indonesia, situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is one of the most volcanically active regions globally. The archipelago boasts over 130 active volcanoes, presenting a constant threat to its population of over 270 million people. According to data from the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), ther have been 36 volcanic eruptions in Indonesia so far this year, a figure consistent with historical averages but prompting heightened vigilance.

This recent event highlights the challenges of living in close proximity to active volcanoes. volcanic ash can disrupt air travel, contaminate water supplies, and cause respiratory problems. The ashfall can also lead to building collapses due to its weight, and impact agricultural lands, affecting food security.

Residents in the vicinity are advised to remain vigilant and heed any instructions issued by local authorities. The PVMBG continues to provide regular updates and assess the evolving situation.

Understanding Volcanic Activity & Preparedness:

Volcanic eruptions are categorized using the Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI), ranging from 0 to 8. The VEI considers factors like eruption plume height, ash volume, and duration. While the current eruption’s VEI is still being assessed, the 13km ash cloud indicates a significant event.

Effective volcano monitoring relies on a network of seismometers, gas sensors, and satellite imagery. These tools help scientists detect changes in volcanic activity, such as increased seismic activity or gas emissions, which can signal an impending eruption.

Preparedness is crucial for mitigating the impact of volcanic eruptions. This includes establishing evacuation plans, stockpiling essential supplies, and educating communities about volcanic hazards. the Indonesian government has invested in early warning systems and disaster preparedness programs, but ongoing efforts are needed to enhance resilience in vulnerable areas.

What specific altitudes have the ash plumes from Lewotobi volcano reached, and how does this impact flight paths?

Current Situation: Lewotobi Eruptions & Flight Cancellations

As of july 9, 2025, the Lewotobi volcano in East Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia, continues to exhibit heightened activity, causing important disruption to air travel across the Indonesian archipelago. Multiple eruptions as early july have prompted authorities to issue volcanic ash advisories, leading to widespread flight cancellations and diversions. The affected area encompasses key travel routes, impacting both domestic and international flights.

Volcanic Activity: Lewotobi, a twin volcano (Lewotobi Laki-laki and Lewotobi Perempuan), has been spewing ash plumes reaching altitudes of up to 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) above sea level.

Affected Airports: Key airports experiencing disruptions include:

Kelimutu Airport (KLM) in Ende, East Nusa Tenggara.

Komodo Airport (LBJ) in Labuan Bajo, Flores.

Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali – experiencing knock-on effects due to airspace closures.

Airlines Impacted: Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Batik Air, and several international carriers have been forced to cancel or reroute flights.

Understanding the Risks: Volcanic Ash & Aviation Safety

Volcanic ash poses a serious threat to aircraft.Unlike typical clouds, volcanic ash is comprised of tiny, abrasive particles of rock and glass.These particles can cause:

Engine Failure: Ash ingested into jet engines can melt and form a glassy coating, leading to engine stall or failure.

Visibility Reduction: Ash clouds substantially reduce visibility, making navigation hazardous.

Surface Damage: Ash can abrade aircraft surfaces, including windscreens and landing lights.

Avionics interference: In some cases, ash can interfere with aircraft avionics systems.

Due to these risks, aviation regulations mandate strict avoidance of volcanic ash clouds. The Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) in Jakarta monitors volcanic activity and issues warnings to airlines.

Travel Disruptions & Passenger Rights

The Lewotobi eruptions have resulted in significant travel chaos for thousands of passengers.

Flight Cancellation Policies: Airlines are generally obligated to provide affected passengers with options such as:

Full refunds.

Rebooking on the next available flight.

Accommodation and meals (depending on the length of the delay and airline policy).

Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance policies may cover expenses incurred due to flight cancellations caused by natural disasters like volcanic eruptions. Review your policy details carefully.

Passenger Assistance: Airports are providing assistance to stranded passengers, but resources may be strained during peak disruption periods.

Past Precedent: Indonesian Volcanoes & Air Travel

Indonesia, situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is one of the most volcanically active regions in the world. eruptions frequently disrupt air travel.

Mount Agung (2017-2019): The prolonged eruption of Mount Agung in Bali caused massive flight disruptions, impacting tourism and the local economy. Over 150,000 passengers were affected in 2017 alone.

Mount Sinabung (Ongoing): Mount Sinabung in North Sumatra has experienced intermittent eruptions for years, leading to localized flight restrictions.

Krakatoa (1883): The catastrophic eruption of Krakatoa in 1883 caused global atmospheric effects and disrupted shipping and interaction for years. While a different scale of event, it highlights the potential impact of Indonesian volcanic activity.

Monitoring & Forecasting: Staying Informed

Several resources provide up-to-date information on the lewotobi eruption and its impact on air travel:

Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) Jakarta: https://vaac.meteorology.go.id/ – Provides real-time ash cloud maps and warnings.

Indonesia’s Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG): https://magma.esdm.go.id/ – Offers detailed information on volcanic activity.

Airport Websites: Check the websites of affected airports (Kelimutu, Komodo, Ngurah Rai) for flight status updates.

Airline Websites: Monitor your airline’s website or social media channels for announcements regarding cancellations and rebookings.

FlightAware: https://flightaware.com/ – Track flight status in real-time.

Impact on Tourism & Local Economies

The flight disruptions are having a significant impact on tourism, a vital sector for the Indonesian economy, particularly in East Nusa Tenggara and Bali.

*Reduced