After a volcanic eruption on Indonesia's Bali island, flights grounded

DENPASAR, Indonesia: Several international airlines canceled flights to and from Bali on November 13 as volcanic ash from Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki's ongoing eruption disrupted travel, leaving thousands of tourists stranded.

Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport has been heavily impacted since the volcano on Indonesia's Flores Island began erupting on November 4.

The eruption, which has sent ash columns as high as 5.5 miles into the sky, has led to extensive cancellations, affecting flights from Singapore, Hong Kong, Qatar, India, Malaysia, and several Australian carriers.

Among them, Jetstar suspended flights to Bali until November 14, citing unsafe conditions, while Virgin Australia and Qantas canceled multiple flights. Korean Air redirected two flights mid-air, returning 400 passengers to South Korea's Incheon Airport.

Thousands of travelers are stranded, with some struggling to secure accommodation or alternative travel arrangements. "The airline did not provide accommodation, leaving us stranded at this airport," said Charlie Austin, a tourist from Perth, Australia. Another traveler, Issabella Butler, sought another airline to fly home, emphasizing the urgency of leaving Bali.

According to Bali airport manager Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, more than 84 flights, including 36 departures and 48 arrivals, have been disrupted over the past four days.

At least 26 domestic and 64 international flights were canceled on November 13 alone. Affected airlines are offering options to reschedule, reroute, or refund tickets to accommodate stranded passengers.

Indonesia's Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation expanded the danger zone around Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki to 5.5 miles as the volcano continues to eject ash, smoldering rocks, lava, and fragments of gravel.

The volcano has been active for several months, displacing thousands of residents and closing multiple airports in nearby districts as a safety precaution.

Air New Zealand and other international airlines are monitoring ash movements closely. Air New Zealand canceled flights on November 13 and rebooked passengers as necessary. Bali-bound flights may continue to face disruptions depending on volcanic activity in the coming days.

Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki is one of Indonesia's 120 active volcanoes, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, which makes the region susceptible to earthquakes and eruptions.