Bali-bound Air India flight returns to Delhi after volcanic eruption

An Bali-bound Air India flight returned to Delhi due to volcanic eruption on Wednesday, June 18. 

Meanwhile, dozens of flights to and from Indonesia's resort island of Bali were cancelled today after Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano erupted.

"An Air India flight AI2145 on 18 June 2025 from Delhi to Bali was advised to air return to Delhi due to reports of volcanic eruption near destination airport Bali, in the interest of safety," the airline said.

The eruption occurred on the eastern island of Flores, where the 1,584-metre volcano forced authorities to raise its alert status to the highest level on Indonesia's four-tier scale.

The flight safely landed back in Delhi and all passengers have been disembarked.

"Inconvenience caused to passengers is sincerely regretted and every effort has been made to minimise it by providing hotel accommodation to the affected passengers. Full refunds on cancellation or complimentary rescheduling has also been offered to them if opted," the Air India spokesperson said."

According to forecasts, the volcanic ash cloud is expected to clear by later tonight.

Lewotobi is a twin volcano located in the southeastern part of the island of Flores, Indonesia. It has two peaks: the Lewotobi Laki-laki and Lewotobi Perempuan stratovolcanoes. The more active Lewotobi Laki-laki is about 2.1 km northwest of the taller Lewotobi Perempuan.

With inputs from agencies