Intermittent eruptions of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) over the past two years have significantly disrupted travel to the surrounding region, even though the volcano is not located close to popular tourist locations like Bali and Lombok.
Wind-blown ash commonly leads to cancellation of flights bound for and leaving surrounding airports. During the most recent major eruption on June 17, several airports on Flores Island were shut. Although Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport remained open, 32 domestic and international flights to and from Bali were cancelled, highlighting the volcano’s widespread impact.
Tour operators are frustrated with the unpredictable nature of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki and the resulting business disruption.
Awan Aswinabawa, chairman of A&T Holidays, Lombok, told TTG Asia that he is still selling tours to NTT, but remains cautious of disruptions.
Oyan Kristian, CEO of NTT DMC, recalled the immediate drop in bookings for the region following Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki’s eruption in late-2024. While bookings for 2025 summer has picked up, he is worried about cancellations over the coming high season; there are travellers who had booked long in advance for destinations like Labuan Bajo
“We are afraid that our guests would not be able to fly in (if Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupts again),” he said.
Paul Talo, managing director of Floressa Bali Tours, said the frequent eruptions necessitated evacuations of tourists. He recalled having to take three tour groups out of Flores hastily by boat due to an eruption. His consolation is that tourists would choose to return to Flores when it is safe.
Industry players say there is a need for better preparedness to cope with the active Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki.
A&T Holidays, Lombok shares frequently updated information and recommends all customers to purchase travel insurance.
Floressa Bali Tours have alternative routes on stand-by, such as sea travel from Labuan Bajo to Bali, or ferry and land connections to Bima or Lombok.
“Rebooking after a cancelled flight is often difficult due to limited seat availability, making alternative modes of transport essential,” Paul said.
Industry players also urged improved support from airline and hotel partners.
According to Awan, flexibility is lacking in airlines when it comes to itinerary changes, especially when disruptions arise during peak season. He hopes that the Indonesia Ministry of Tourism could encourage airlines to be more adaptive to force majeure events.
Oyan also urged clearer policies on hotel refunds during natural disruptions. He recalled an experience with a hotel that refused a full refund for a cancelled group. The hotel partner reasoned that the airport was not officially closed, even though conditions were unsafe to fly and the group could not get to the destination.
