Travellers warned to expect more flight cancellations as volcanic ash cloud covers Bali, leaving Aussies stranded

Australian holidaymakers traveling to and from Bali are facing more delays and cancellations as volcanic ash and eruptions wreak havoc on flight schedules.

Many travelers to the Indonesian holiday island have had their travel plans thrown into disarray, while many others returning home are stranded in Bali due to mass flight cancellations.

The chaos was caused by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki on the remote island of Flores, 1,000 km east of Bali.

At least 174 domestic and international flights have been canceled in the past nine days.

Many major airlines are not considering resuming flights to and from Bali until Thursday at the earliest.

All Jetstar flights to and from Denpasar Airport have been canceled until Thursday afternoon at the earliest.

“We will provide an update on Thursday on flights scheduled to fly after 12pm AEDT,” a spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.

‘We understand this is a difficult situation for affected customers. Safety is always our first priority and we thank customers for their patience and understanding.”

Thousands of passengers are stranded at Denpasar International Airport (pictured) as major airlines only consider resuming flights to and from Bali on Thursday

In their latest travel update, Qantas advises: ‘For customers traveling on Thursday 14 November, our meteorology team is closely monitoring the situation.

‘Qantas added passengers will be notified by email or telephone no later than 10am on Thursday 14 November of any impact to their scheduled flight (AEDT).

Virgin Australia said it was proactively reaching out to affected passengers with alternative flight options.

‘We are also communicating with guests who have booked to travel to and from Bali between Thursday (November 14) and Saturday (November 16) and encourage them to keep up to date with the latest flight information available via our website,’ the statement said.

British tourist Charlie Austin is among thousands of passengers stranded at Denpasar International Airport.

“It’s not ideal, it’s just one of those things, there’s nothing I can do about it… I’m stuck in Bali,” Daily Mail Australia told

Austin was scheduled to leave on Wednesday afternoon after a three-day holiday, which has now been extended until Friday.

He said the flight cancellation meant he could “have a few more beers by the pool… and get a few more waves… a few more Bintangs.”

Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki on the remote island of Flores, 1000 km east of Bali. erupted on Sunday, killing nine people as it spewed ash nine kilometers into the air

Stranded travelers cannot leave the holiday island of Bali and others cannot return to Australia due to mass flight cancellations following the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki

In worrying news for travellers, volcano expert Emeritus Professor at Curtin University’s School of Earth and Planetary Sciences Chris Elders said Perth Now flight disruptions may be persistent.

“Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki has been erupting since December 2023, but a cycle of particularly violent eruptions began in early November,” Professor Elders said.

‘The fact that this volcano is located about 800 km east of Bali on a completely different island (Flores) gives an idea of ​​the power of the eruption.’

Professor Elders said it is difficult to predict the duration of the eruptive cycles and whether they will continue at the same intensity level.

“However, we know that volcanoes across Indonesia are prone to similar explosive eruptions and that the impact on air travel will always remain a risk – in addition to the potentially catastrophic consequences for those living nearby,” he said.

Australian influencer Lauren Bullen, who lives in Bali with her partner and newborn baby, asked her two million Instagram followers for information after her flight was cancelled.

‘No no no no no one has any information about flight cancellations in Bali?? I have a very important weekend in Australia,” Ms Bullen said.

Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, better known as Denpasar International Airport, is ‘still open in principle’.

“We emphasize that according to the results of the paper test, no volcanic ash was found in the Gusti Ngurah Rai airport area,” general manager Ahmad Syaugi Shahab said.

“On Wednesday until 1pm Bali time, 26 domestic flights, namely 13 departures and 13 arrivals, are affected.”

‘In the meantime, 64 international flights, namely 34 departures and 30 arrivals, have been affected.’

“For international flights, there were flights that were canceled by the airlines based on their respective policies, taking into account aspects of flight security and safety.”

“To provide services to affected airline passengers, we have established a help desk on the second floor of the international terminal and in the customer service area of ​​the domestic terminal.”

The volcano erupted on Sunday, killing nine people as it spewed ash nine kilometers into the air.

Indonesian authorities have attempted to evacuate 16,000 residents from nearby villages as the eruptions continue.

It is dangerous to fly with volcanic ash in the air because it is abrasive and hard, which can damage parts of the aircraft, especially the propellers.

Volcanic ash can also reduce visibility, making it even more dangerous to fly.