Volcano eruption forces flight cancellations in Indonesia

More than 20 flights were cancelled at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport by noon on Wednesday following renewed volcanic activity from Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Flores.

The eruption, which began with a series of powerful blasts earlier this week, has disrupted travel and prompted emergency measures across the region.

Several domestic AirAsia flights scheduled for Flores were among those grounded due to the volcanic ash cloud blanketing nearby air routes.

The twin-peaked Lewotobi volcano system, consisting of Lewotobi Laki-Laki (“man”) and Lewotobi Perempuan (“woman”), erupted multiple times in November, claiming nine lives and displacing thousands. Authorities fear a similar crisis may be unfolding.

The head of Indonesia’s geology agency, Muhammad Wafid, issued a warning over potential lahar flows—dangerous fast-moving floods of volcanic debris—especially if heavy rain hits the area.

Residents have been urged to wear face masks to protect against falling ash, while evacuation orders are already in effect for at least one village. According to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), ash rain has also been reported in several other communities outside the official exclusion zone.

A BNPB spokesperson confirmed that volcanic tremors continue to be detected, signaling the likelihood of further eruptions. “We strongly advise residents around the volcano to evacuate to safe locations,” the agency said in a statement.

Indonesia, home to more than 120 active volcanoes, sits atop the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a volatile seismic zone where tectonic plates frequently collide, leading to both earthquakes and eruptions.

Authorities had previously raised the alert level for Lewotobi Laki-Laki during its last eruption in May—the most severe classification.

While Lewotobi Perempuan remains relatively calm, officials are maintaining close monitoring of both peaks as volcanic activity intensifies.

Emergency services remain on high alert as weather conditions and seismic readings continue to evolve.