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An Air India flight bound for Indonesia’s Bali had to return to the national capital on Wednesday following a volcanic eruption near the island’s airport, prompting the cancellation of several flights to and from the archipelago.

 

The flight AI2145, which had taken off from Delhi, was advised to air-return mid-journey “in the interest of safety”, an Air India official confirmed.

 

“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 official said.

 

The airline expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers and said it was extending full refunds, complimentary rescheduling, and hotel accommodation to the affected travellers.

 

“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 spokesperson added.

Also read: Seven Air India international flights cancelled in a single day

 

Indonesian authorities reported that Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, located on the island of Flores, erupted on Tuesday, spewing an ash column up to 10 kilometres into the sky. The ash cloud disrupted air traffic in and around Bali, a major international tourist destination, prompting several flight diversions and cancellations on Wednesday.

 

🇮🇩 On Thursday night, the Levotobi Laki Laki volcano in Indonesia erupted, sending ash clouds 8 kilometers into the air, leading to the cancellation of flights to Bali by an Australian airline. pic.twitter.com/n7C7mIJsBO

— Slava 🇺🇦 (@Heroiam_Slava) June 17, 2025

 

According to regional airport officials, volcanic ash posed a hazard to visibility and jet engine functionality, thereby compromising flight safety.

 

The volcano, which stands at 1,584 metres, has shown periodic activity in recent months. Indonesian authorities have maintained close monitoring, issuing alerts to airlines operating in the area.

 

Air India, like many other carriers operating in the Asia-Pacific region, is required to reroute or cancel flights whenever volcanic activity threatens aviation safety standards.

 

The Indian carrier's quick decision to recall the flight earned praise on social media from some passengers for prioritising safety, although others expressed frustration over disrupted travel plans.