For many Australians, Bali is a slice of paradise.

For just a short flight away, holiday goers get to experience sun-soaked beaches, vibrant culture and an escape from the daily.

However,the getaway plans of numerous Aussies have been thrown into disarray due to the powerful forces of nature.


Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, located in Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara province, has had a series of volcanic eruptions over the past week.

The eruptions spewed thick, black ash and smoke into the sky.

These eruptions created an ash blanket that has spread for several kilometres.

Blanket aside, the volcanic ash also reached altitudes of up to 10 metres, and the eruptions had fireballs and debris raining down on nearby villages.


The impact of volcanic activity on air travel has been evident.

Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia flights have cancelled multiple flights to and from Bali.

The volcanic ash could damage engines and affect visibility, making flying through or near the ash cloud extremely dangerous.


The sudden flight cancellations left many Aussie travellers stranded and frustrated.

Many travellers have been stuck at airports, sitting on the floor with their luggage and grappling with reality.

'We could not get our tickets refunded because they were sale flights,' lamented one traveller.

The situation is equally challenging for those already in Bali as they wait for a chance to come home.

'It's just ridiculous,' one traveller shared due to the lack of communication from her booked airline.

Accommodation also became a pressing concern for the stranded tourists.

In response to the chaos, Jetstar announced that it would run two flights between Bali and Australia to help clear the backlog of stranded customers.

These flights would use their larger 787 aircraft to accommodate more passengers and expedite their return.


Virgin Australia cancelled four flights and has prioritised the safety of their guests and crew.

'We regret the inconvenience this has caused our passengers, and our team is working hard to ensure all passengers booked on our services get to their destination safely and as soon as possible,' a Virgin Australia spokesperson stated.

Qantas flights were initially less affected as their flights went ahead as scheduled on Tuesday.

However, one Qantas flight had to return to the airport due to the deteriorating flight conditions.

The airline has since offered accommodation to those affected as they anticipate a rescheduled departure.

This incident became a reminder of the unpredictability of international travel.

It also highlighted the importance of travel insurance and choosing flexible ticket options whenever possible.

For those planning a trip to Bali in the near future, it is vital to stay updated about the situation.
Have you or someone you know been affected by the recent Bali flight cancellations? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.