IndiGo and Air India announced the cancellation of flights to and from Bali on Wednesday due to ash clouds following a volcanic eruption on the Indonesian island. The disruption has left numerous travelers stranded as both airlines suspended their services to Bali.

The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Nusa Tenggara province released significant ash clouds that pose a threat to air travel. IndiGo issued a travel advisory on social media, stating, “Flights to/from Bali have been cancelled due to a recent volcanic eruption, as ash clouds may affect air travel.”

Air India also cancelled its flight from Delhi to Bali scheduled for November 13, 2024. The airline assured passengers that they could reschedule their flights, choose alternative flights, or receive full refunds, emphasizing that the safety of passengers and crew is the highest priority.

The eruption of Mount Lewotobi has disrupted at least 16 international routes, with Bali’s airport reporting the cancellation of 26 domestic and 64 international flights. Affected passengers are being provided with options for refunds, rescheduling, or re-routing.

The eruption has forced the evacuation of over 11,000 people and claimed nine lives in recent weeks. The ongoing ash clouds remain a significant risk to aviation safety, as fine volcanic ash can damage jet engines and reduce visibility by scouring aircraft windscreens.