Bali Flights Cancelled After Volcano Eruption: What Travellers Need to Know

Travelling to Bali this week? You might want to check your flight status. A volcanic eruption on 18 June 2025 has led to dozens of flight cancellations, affecting routes in and out of Denpasar, including several flights from Singapore.

Here’s what happened, what flights are affected, and what to expect if you’re heading to Bali or beyond.

Flights cancelled after volcanic eruption

On Tuesday (17 June), Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki  (a volcano on the island of Flores, East Nusa Tenggara) erupted and released a thick ash plume that reached up to 10km into the sky. In response, Indonesia’s volcanology agency raised its alert to the highest level.

Ash clouds can interfere with jet engines, so the disruption to air travel was immediate.

Airlines and routes affected

The eruption forced multiple international and domestic airlines to cancel or delay their flights on 18 June, including:

• Jetstar and Virgin Australia services to and from Australian cities

• Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Air India, and Air New Zealand flights

• Juneyao Airlines (mainland China)

• Several AirAsia domestic flights, especially to Labuan Bajo on Flores

Jetstar confirmed that some afternoon flights were delayed rather than cancelled, with forecasts suggesting that the ash would clear by evening.

A spokesperson from Scoot told media outlets that the safety of passengers and crew remains their top priority, and affected travellers have been contacted.

Is Bali Airport closed?

No, Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali is still operational. However, flights are being suspended on a case-by-case basis depending on the route and airline. A Bali airport service agent confirmed that airport operations are ongoing, but travellers should check directly with their airline.

If you’re flying this week, especially to or from Australia, Singapore, or Flores, it’s best to monitor your airline’s advisories closely.

The situation near the volcano

Ash has fallen on nearby villages around Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, and at least one village was evacuated late Tuesday. Ongoing tremors indicate that volcanic activity may continue, and authorities have warned of possible lahar floods, which are dangerous mudslides that can happen if it rains.

The 7km radius around the volcano has been declared off-limits for both residents and tourists.

There are no confirmed injuries or property damage so far.

Has this happened before?

Yes. Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki is an active volcano. In November 2024, a series of eruptions from the same volcano killed nine people, forced thousands to evacuate, and disrupted flights to Bali for several days.

Indonesia sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” and is home to over 100 active volcanoes. While these eruptions are not uncommon, they can still catch travellers off guard, especially when they affect major routes like Singapore to Bali.

Also read: What to Do if Your Flight is Delayed or Cancelled: A Step-by-Step Guide

Final note for travellers

If you’re flying to Bali, Flores, or Lombok over the next few days, check your flight status frequently and allow time for possible delays or rescheduling. While the eruption is not in Bali itself, its airspace has been affected due to ash clouds.

This latest disruption is a reminder that nature doesn’t always follow your holiday plans, but with the right info, you can adjust accordingly.