Breaking News
Air India Bali Flight Turns Back as Volcano Erupts in Indonesia
Delhi, India, June 18, 2025 – An Air India flight headed to Bali turned back mid-air after a volcano in Indonesia erupted, sending ash high into the sky. The safe return to Delhi calmed passengers, but the event raised worries about flying near active volcanoes. Here’s what happened.
The Flight’s Tense Journey
The trip took a turn:
- The Boeing 787 Dreamliner left Delhi early on June 18, aiming for Bali’s Denpasar airport.
- Hours into the flight, pilots learned of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki’s eruption, spewing ash up to 11 kilometers.
- The crew safely returned to Delhi by morning, landing without issue.
- A passenger said, “We were scared but trusted the pilots.”
The decision saved lives.
Why Ash Is a Danger
Volcanic ash is risky:
- It can melt inside jet engines, causing them to fail, as seen in a 1982 British Airways flight.
- Ash clouds are hard to spot on radar, catching pilots off guard.
- In 2010, a volcano in Iceland grounded over 100,000 flights worldwide.
The threat is real.
Passengers’ Feelings
The mood was mixed:
- Some saw a fiery glow from the volcano, sparking fear of a crash.
- Others praised the pilots for their calm updates during the U-turn.
- An X post read, “Air India’s crew handled it like pros—safe is all that matters.”
Relief followed panic.
Air India’s Response
The airline acted fast:
- Technicians are checking the plane’s engines for ash damage.
- Passengers were offered hotel stays and rebooked on later flights.
- The airline promised support, earning nods from travelers.
The focus is on safety.
Bali’s Tourism Hit
The eruption hurts Bali:
- A no-fly zone now blocks flights to Denpasar, disrupting travel plans.
- Areas near the volcano are cleared for safety, affecting local tourism.
- A scientist warned, “This volcano could stay active for weeks.”
Bali faces challenges.
