Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi eruption update: Flight cancellations, safety and travel advisory

Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki on the island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia erupted on June 17, 2025. In a recent travel update, the eruption of the volcano has caused a massive ash cloud rising some 16 kilometers into the Indonesian sky.

The eruption has caused immediate airport shutdowns, evacuations, and mass disruptions.Flights to and from several destinations — including the popular tourist island of Bali — were cancelled. The fights were not able to operate because of ash clouds which threatened aviation safety.More about the eruption The volcano erupted around 17:35 WITA. It created a mushroom-shaped cloud of orange. Soon after, grey smoke was seen in residential regions which prompted quick evacuation.

Also Indonesia's volcanology agency issued the volcano's alert to its highest level. It immediately warned people of potential lava flows, especially in case of heavy rains. Residents within 7 km radius and those in the southwest-northeast sector up to 8 km are asked to evacuate or remain vigilant.

Authorities have also asked to use masks. Evacuations and airport closures

As per latest reports, authorities have evacuated more than 800 people. The eruption has become more dangerous today, as it is coughing lava, rocks, and ashes.

These are reaching up to three kilometers into the sky making the place unsafe. A number of flights were cancelled, and a six-kilometer exclusion zone was established with ongoing evacuations. Transport authorities shut the airport in the provincial capital of Manado. Budget airline Air Asia also cancelleld flights with nine airports in East Malaysia and Brunei. More about Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki

Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki is among Indonesia's most active volcanoes.

Till now, it has erupted six times which started late Sunday night. Since Sunday, the incident has caused widespread infrastructural damage, power outages, and panic. Indonesia's location on the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it prone to frequent seismic and volcanic activity. The government has urged residents and travellers to stay vigilant, safe and informed through official websites.It’s still a developing situation. Authorities in Indonesia continue to assess the risks and coordinate relief efforts to ensure the safety of affected communities.