Indians Stranded As Volcano Erupts On Bali Island, Flights Remain Cancelled
Indians Stranded As Volcano Erupts On Bali Island, Flights Remain Cancelled ( Representational image )
Several international airlines canceled flights to and from Indonesia’s popular tourist island of Bali on Wednesday, as an ongoing volcanic eruption left thousands of travelers stranded at airports.
Tourists told The Associated Press they have been stuck at Bali’s airport since Tuesday, following abrupt cancellations of flights due to the eruption.
“The airline did not provide accommodation, leaving us stranded at this airport,” said flyer from Perth, Australia, who was vacationing in Bali with his family. Meanwhile, another tourist, sought an alternative airline to fly her home, saying, “The important thing is that we have to be able to get out of here.”
Reports suggest that thousands are stranded at airports in Indonesia and Australia, though an exact figure was not provided.
Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki, a volcano on Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara, has been erupting since November 4, with massive ash clouds and materials like hot gravel reaching 8 kilometers from the crater, resulting in nine fatalities and dozens of injuries.
The volcano’s activity has disrupted operations at Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, affecting 46 flights over the past three days, including 30 departures and 16 arrivals, according to general manager Ahmad Syaugi Shahab. Airlines have offered refunds, rescheduling, or rerouting options to affected travelers.
Three Australian airlines also suspended flights, with Jetstar canceling flights to Bali until Thursday, Virgin Australia canceling ten services, and Qantas delaying three flights.
Air New Zealand and Korean Air have similarly been affected, with Korean Air having to turn back two Bali-bound flights carrying 400 passengers due to volcanic ash forecasts.
Lewotobi Laki Laki is one of the 120 active volcanoes in Indonesia, which lies on the Ring of Fire, making it susceptible to volcanic activity, earthquakes, and landslides.https://x.com/arshkhurana/status/1856516856879952077?t=ensDw8vJ_0ZR-teKwEdagg&s=19
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— Air India (@airindia) November 13, 2024
Air India flights from Delhi to Bali and return (AI 2145 and AI 2146 respectively), scheduled to operate on 13 November 2024 have been cancelled due to unfavourable weather caused by the recent volcanic eruption. All possible efforts are being made to minimize…
