What Happened to Air India Flight from Delhi to Bali Amid Volcano Eruption?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Air India flight AI2145 safely returned to Delhi due to volcanic activity.
- Passenger safety was prioritized amid the eruption.
- Air India is providing accommodations and refunds.
- Numerous flights to Bali were affected by cancellations.
- Volcanic ash cloud expected to clear soon.
New Delhi, June 18 (NationPress) In light of the recent eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, which led to the cancellation of numerous flights to and from Indonesia’s popular tourist destination, Bali, Air India flight AI2145 from Delhi was directed to return to Delhi for the safety of its passengers, as stated by the airline.
The volcanic activity took place on the eastern island of Flores, resulting in the alert level being raised to the maximum on Indonesia’s four-tier system.
According to an Air India representative, the AI2145 flight successfully returned to Delhi, allowing all passengers to disembark safely.
“We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers and have taken steps to reduce it by providing hotel accommodations for those affected. We are also offering full refunds or complimentary rescheduling for cancellations,” the spokesperson confirmed.
Angkasa Pura Indonesia, the operator of Bali airport, reported, “Due to the volcanic activity of Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Nusa Tenggara, multiple flights at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport have been canceled.”
Many domestic flights operated by AirAsia were similarly canceled. Jetstar noted that flights to and from Bali had been disrupted, although some afternoon flights experienced delays as the ash cloud was predicted to dissipate.
The airport's website also indicated cancellations for flights from Air New Zealand, Tigerair of Singapore, and Juneyao Airlines from China.
Late Tuesday, volcanic ash began to fall on surrounding villages, prompting the evacuation of at least one community, as reported by Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency.
Forecasts suggest that the ash cloud should clear by later tonight.
Lewotobi is a twin volcano situated in southeastern Flores, Indonesia, featuring two peaks: the Lewotobi Laki-laki and Lewotobi Perempuan stratovolcanoes. The more active Lewotobi Laki-laki is located approximately 2.1 km northwest of the taller Lewotobi Perempuan.