Volcanic chaos: Flights halted as ash disrupts Bali travel
The ongoing volcanic eruption on the Indonesian island of Flores has forced airlines to cancel flights to the neighbouring island of Bali. "Volcanic ash poses a significant threat to safe operations of the aircraft in the vicinity of volcanic clouds," admitted a representative of AirAsia, the carrier that cancelled several flights.
13 November 2024 18:16
The Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano, located near Bali, has spewed volcanic ash to a height of over 10 kilometres (km). Ash poses a serious threat to aviation. It not only significantly reduces visibility but can also damage jet engines.
Tourists couldn't fly to Bali
AirAsia, as well as carriers from Australia, India, Malaysia, and Singapore, cancelled several flights on Wednesday, November 13th, including to and from Bali - one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia in recent years.
"Volcanic ash poses a significant threat to safe operations of the aircraft in the vicinity of volcanic clouds," informed AirAsia.
So far, foreign carriers have not revealed when they will resume their flights.
Media reports indicate that thousands of tourists are stranded at airports, including in Indonesia and Australia. "The airline didn’t provide accommodation, leaving us stranded at this airport," said Charlie Austin from Perth, Australia, who was on vacation in Bali with his family, as quoted by TIME. "The important thing is that we have to be able to get out of here," another tourist added.
Volcano threatens the island
According to the Indonesian Disaster Mitigation Agency, since November 3rd, when the eruptions began, nine people have died, 31 were injured, and over 11,000 were evacuated from endangered areas.
Indonesia, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire—an area of high seismic activity—has nearly 130 active volcanoes. Eruptions pose a significant threat to air traffic and residents' safety.
