BALI, RAKYAT NEWS – The I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali has been severely impacted by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Nusa Tenggara. On Wednesday, November 13, 2024, the airport reported that 90 flights had been canceled in a single day as a result of volcanic ash and disruption caused by the eruption.

According to Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, the General Manager of I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, by 1:00 PM local time, 26 domestic flights and 64 international flights had been affected. The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, located in the eastern part of Indonesia, has created significant challenges for air travel across the region.

The 26 canceled domestic flights include 13 departures and 13 arrivals. Affected routes include Labuan Bajo with four departures and four arrivals, Jakarta with four departures and four arrivals, and Lombok with three departures and three arrivals. Additionally, flights from Tambolaka, Sumbawa, and other smaller regional destinations were also affected.

In terms of international flights, the disruption was more widespread. A total of 64 international flights were canceled, including 34 departures and 30 arrivals. Routes to and from Australia were particularly impacted, but the disruption soon spread to other countries as well. Flights to Singapore, Hong Kong, Doha, Delhi, Bangalore, and Darwin were among those affected.

Other canceled international routes included flights to Sydney, Melbourne, Kuala Lumpur, Brisbane, and even as far as Incheon in South Korea. Additionally, flights to and from Gold Coast, Perth, Cairns, Adelaide, and other Australian cities were also canceled.

The impact of the volcanic eruption on air traffic has been ongoing since Monday, November 4, 2024. Between November 8 and November 12, a total of 84 flights, both domestic and international, were already disrupted by the volcanic activity. The situation worsened on November 13, leading to a substantial number of cancellations.

In response to the disruption, the airport authorities have advised passengers on the affected flights to contact airlines for options such as refunds, rescheduling, or re-routing. The airport is also providing assistance to affected passengers by setting up help desks and offering refreshments, including bottled water, at both the international and domestic terminals.

In an effort to keep passengers informed, the airport has been working closely with the Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG). They have issued updates on volcanic ash forecasts and its potential impact on the region. Although volcanic ash has not yet reached Bali in significant quantities, the situation remains fluid and could change depending on the eruption’s progression.

The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki continues to cause concerns across the region, and the authorities have urged travelers to stay updated on flight statuses. As the situation unfolds, both domestic and international airlines are closely monitoring the volcanic activity and making necessary adjustments to their schedules.

The airport is taking all necessary precautions to ensure passenger safety, while working to mitigate the ongoing disruptions caused by the eruption. Passengers are encouraged to check with airlines for the latest updates and to remain patient as operations gradually return to normal. (Uki Ruknuddin)