Flights canceled as Bali volcano eruption disrupts travel

Flights between Australia and Bali have been canceled after Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted, spewing ash up to 10 kilometers into the sky, news reports said today.

Australian airlines Jetstar and Virgin Australia announced Wednesday that flights to and from Bali’s Denpasar Airport were suspended due to the unsafe conditions created by volcanic ash.

Qantas reported disruptions as well, with affected customers being notified. Flight tracking data showed that AirAsia also canceled routes to the popular island destination.

Mount Lewotobi, located on Flores Island about 500 kilometers east of Bali, has been erupting since November 3. Indonesian authorities have reported at least nine deaths, 31 injuries, and more than 11,000 people evacuated due to the volcanic activity.

Eruptions reached a new height last Friday, with ash clouds reaching 10 kilometers. Indonesia’s position on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” makes it highly vulnerable to volcanic and seismic events.