Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted last week, leaving travel itineraries in disarray for an estimated 14,000 travelers. The ensuing eruption across the island of Flores led to widespread effects at Denpasar Airport. It impacted a total of 87 flights, 66 international as well as 21 domestic services. Due to direct impacts from the eruption, Indonesian authorities increased the volcanic alert level to the maximum level.
Evacuation of two villages close to the volcano was carried out quickly and efficiently by local authorities in response to this rapidly evolving volcanic eruption. Passengers and airport management witnessed widespread delays and cancellations, with some flight disruptions expected to last into the coming week. Denpasar Airport had reopened after closing due to ash fall from an earlier eruption. After the recent eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, it has once again closed.
Impact on Flights and Passengers
The eruption complicated travel logistics for many travelers who had not yet flown home. Andrew, a traveler caught in the disruption, shared his experience:
“My flight from Bandung to Bali was cancelled, so I had to stay a few extra days until a flight was available.”
While the rest of the travel industry continues to deal with the aftermath from the eruption, travelers have had to make last-minute adjustments to their plans. With flight schedules thrown into disarray, people trying to get back home or to their intended destinations have been deluged with further complications. The continuing situation is a good demonstration of how even completely natural occurrences can be unpredictable and scary in the short and long term for travel.
In response to these disruptions, airlines have panicked to provide alternate planning options for disrupted passengers. With the unpredictable nature of volcanic activity, additional delays or cancellations are possible. FTA is stressing that travelers should stay alert and continue monitoring flight plans.
The Importance of Travel Insurance
Since the Island of Fire’s eruption, experts have been encouraging travelers to prioritize getting strong travel insurance. Insurance expert Jodi Bird from consumer advocacy group CHOICE reiterates the important role of travel insurance. It protects your business from the unknown, including sudden disasters like volcanic eruptions.
“The volcano affecting travel to Bali is a perfect example. If you bought your travel insurance in time, it will help you with the cost of cancelling or rescheduling your holiday,” – Jodi Bird
Travelers should purchase insurance before their trip, Bird emphasized. This is a critically important step in order to have coverage for natural disasters that may soon no longer be “unforeseen events”. By the time a media article or government press release announces an event, it’s often too late to secure coverage. By then, it’s too late for that particular circumstance.
“Once an event becomes known, it’s generally too late to buy insurance to cover you for that specific event,” – Jodi Bird
She highlighted the importance of being proactive when planning trips:
“The trick is to know your destination and buy travel insurance when you book your trip,” – Jodi Bird
This traveler-centered approach will better prevent financial lost for travelers suddenly canceled on or needing to be rebooked.
Lessons from Past Eruptions
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki was the most recent to erupt, disrupting nearby air travel in recent weeks. This isn’t the first time volcanic activity has caused such disruptions here. When in 2017, Mount Agung erupted, tens of thousands were forced to evacuate and operations were severely disrupted for more than 150,000 affected Indonesians. Volcanic activity in Indonesia adds a whole other layer of challenges. Travelers need to be vigilant and ready to avoid these dangers.
Teresa, another traveler affected by the latest eruption, described her distressing experience:
“She actually sat on the kerb outside the terminal waiting all night on her own. It was shocking,” – Teresa
Memories of past, more draconian disruptions still plague would-be travelers. They are called back to the need for careful planning and preparation before launching into hot zones facing mother nature’s wrath. Given the mercurial nature of these events, travelers need to be flexible and prepared to adjust travel schedules accordingly.
