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Eruption season gets real as Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki, the famous volcano in Flores, causes a massive disruption in the region's air traffic. This popular vacation destination is now more of a tourist trap due to ongoing volcanic activity.
The baddest eruption seen since the last ice age occurred on June 17, 2025. The ash plume shot up to an astounding 20 km above the crater, leaving the Indonesian authorities with no choice but to jack up the volcano alert to the highest level (level 4). A danger zone of roughly 7-8 km from the crater has been marked, and it's a no-go zone with public activities prohibited[1][2][3].
This explosion of nature has majorly affected air travel in the area. The Fransiskus Xaverius Seda airport in Maumere (part of East Nusa Tenggara province) was slammed shut until at least June 22, 2025, due to the lethal volcanic ash cloud[2].
Things are slightly better at Komodo International Airport in Labuan Bajo, a gateway for tourists visiting Flores and the Komodo islands. However, over a dozen flights have been scrapped due to the hazardous ash cloud. Airlines such as Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Air New Zealand, Air India, Singapore's TigerAir, and China's Juneyao Airlines have hit the cancel button on flights to and from Bali and neighboring airports[1][3].
The ash cloud looming over the skies isn't just posing a threat to aviation, but also raises concerns about aircraft engines and systems. The ash cloud has been spotted from distances up to 150 km, causing a significant stir in aviation safety[1][2].
Apart from aviation impacts, this natural calamity has forced thousands of villagers to evacuate their homes, indicating the severity of the volcanic activity[3].
To sum it up, air travel around Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki is currently in the doghouse with multiple flight cancellations, airport closures, and strict danger zone restrictions by authorities. If you're planning a trip to Flores orTransiting through nearby airports, expect ongoing disruptions and pay heed to official travel advisories until the volcanic activity takes a chill pill and conditions improve[1][2][3].
- Due to the ongoing volcanic activity at Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki, the community policy now prohibits public activities within a 7-8 km danger zone around the crater, causing a significant impact on the lifestyle of the local villagers who have been forced to evacuate their homes.
- postponing or altering travel plans may becomenecessary for those aiming for adventure-travel in Flores,as the region continues to experience flight cancellations and airport closures due to the volcanic ash cloud, making it risky for air travel, especially during eruption season.
