Indonesia Volcano Erupts: Flights Disrupted, Travel Advisory Issued

Attention all travellers who are planning a trip to the Land of the Thousand Islands! Mount Ruang in Indonesia erupted several times on Wednesday causing travel disruptions for those flying in and out of the region.

The volcano in Indonesia, located in North Sulawesi, has a documented record of eruptions dating back to the 19th century. Recent activity, however, has seen it erupt multiple times, spewing ash and smoke high into the sky, and prompting evacuations and travel disruptions in the surrounding area.

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Mount Ruang eruptions in Indonesia cause evacuations, flight cancellations

Mount Ruang, Indonesia | Image credit: @KemenagPadang

Mount Ruang, Indonesia | Image credit: @shoaibabidkhan

Authorities initially evacuated over 800 people living near the volcano, but later widened the exclusion zone to six kilometres and advised more than 11,000 people in the risk area to evacuate as a precaution.

The Mount Ruang eruption has also impacted air travel in Indonesia, with Manado’s Sam Ratulangi International Airport being closed due to the volcanic ash cloud. Flights to and from Kota Kinabalu International Airport in neighbouring Malaysia have also been disrupted.

Indonesian officials are closely monitoring the situation. Concerns have been raised about the possibility of a volcanic collapse, which could trigger a tsunami similar to the devastating event following the 2018 eruption of Anak Krakatoa.

Indonesia, with its 120 active volcanoes, sits on the Ring of Fire, a geological hotspot known for frequent seismic and volcanic activity. While volcanic eruptions can be disruptive, Indonesia remains a beautiful and popular tourist destination with many areas unaffected by this current event.

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If you are planning to travel soon, be sure to monitor the latest updates on the Indonesia volcano eruption and flight disruptions before booking your trip. Travellers in Indonesia should follow the instructions of local authorities and stay informed about the situation.

Featured image credit: @shoaibabidkhan on Twitter