JAKARTA – All flights to and from Bali, Indonesia’s most popular tourist island, have resumed normal operations as of Thursday, following cancellations and delays caused by an eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki on Flores Island in the eastern part of the country.
Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, located in East Nusa Tenggara Province, erupted on Tuesday, spewing ash up to 11 kilometers into the sky.
According to a statement from Bali Airport authorities on Thursday, a total of 87 flights were affected on Wednesday, including 66 international flights and 21 domestic flights. Disrupted routes included those connecting Bali to Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
By Thursday, flights from Bali were back on schedule, including services to Australia, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, and China operated by airlines such as Malaysia Airlines, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and Singapore Airlines.
While Bali’s airport operations have normalized, Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport in Maumere, East Nusa Tenggara, remains closed until Friday due to lingering volcanic ash in the air, which still poses a risk to aviation safety.
Meanwhile, dozens of residents from three villages located close to the volcano have been evacuated as a precaution. (TNA)
