Volcanic Eruption Forces Air India Bali-Bound Flight to Turn Back

Volcanic Eruption Forces Air India Flight to Bali to Return to Delhi.

An Air India flight bound for Bali was forced to return to Delhi mid-air on Wednesday following a volcanic eruption in Indonesia. Flight AI2145, which departed from Delhi to Bali, was advised to turn back due to reports of a volcanic eruption near Ngurah Rai International Airport, the airline confirmed.

“In the interest of safety, Air India flight AI2145 on June 18 was advised to return to Delhi due to volcanic activity near the destination airport,” said an airline official. The aircraft landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport, and all passengers were safely deboarded. Air India offered hotel accommodation, full refunds, and free rescheduling to affected passengers.

The incident follows the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a 1,584-metre volcano on Indonesia’s Flores Island, which sent ash clouds 10 km into the sky on Tuesday, severely impacting air travel in the region. Bali’s airport authorities confirmed that several international flights were cancelled on Wednesday, including those operated by Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand, Tigerair, and Juneyao Airlines.

Meanwhile, India’s aviation regulator DGCA noted that Air India had already cancelled 83 wide-body flights, including 66 Boeing 787 services, between June 12 and 17, due to operational constraints.