The volcanic ash from the eruption temporarily disrupted operations at Ngurah Rai International Airport, causing flight disturbances for several days. However, as of November 15, 2024, the airport has resumed normal operations, with no further flight cancellations reported.
Temporary Flight Disruptions, eruption of Mount Lewotobi
At the height of the disruption, several international and domestic flights were canceled, especially on November 13 and 14, 2024. The primary reason for the cancellations was the threat posed by volcanic ash to aviation safety. However, quick mitigation efforts and efficient handling by Ngurah Rai Airport and airlines ensured that operations were restored promptly.
"During the disruption, we continuously monitored the situation and coordinated with all related parties to ensure passenger safety and comfort," stated the General Manager of Ngurah Rai Airport.
Impact on Motorbike Rentals
Because of eruption of Mount Lewotobi, Motorbike rental businesses, such as 493 Scooter Rentals, were directly affected. Typically experiencing high demand, especially from international tourists, these businesses saw a significant drop in bookings. Many tourists who had made prior reservations opted to cancel due to the uncertainty of access to Bali.
"Since the airport closure, the cancellation rate for motorbike rentals has increased significantly," noted a rental business operator in Bali. "We are usually busy assisting tourists exploring Bali, but now, there’s hardly any activity."
Hotel Booking Cancellations
Similarly, the hospitality industry faced substantial challenges. Many tourists who had pre-booked accommodations canceled their reservations due to the disruption. Several hotels reported occupancy rate drops of up to 70%.
"The majority of our guests are international tourists arriving through Ngurah Rai Airport. With the closure, we lost many guests and had to issue refunds for canceled bookings," said a hotel manager in Kuta.
Ripple Effect on Bali Tourism
The disruption did not only affect motorbike rentals and hotels but also other supporting sectors such as restaurants, tourist attractions, and tour guides. Many small businesses that rely heavily on tourist arrivals faced considerable losses.
The decline in tourist numbers also impacted regional revenue from the tourism sector. The Bali government is currently monitoring the situation closely while exploring solutions to minimize the economic impact.
Recovery and Optimism
Despite the significant impact, the situation has begun to improve as Ngurah Rai Airport normalizes operations. International tourists are gradually returning, especially from key routes like Australia and Southeast Asia.
Business owners and the Bali government remain optimistic that the tourism sector will recover quickly. Promotional efforts and flexible policies for cancellations and rescheduling services are key steps in attracting tourists back to the island.
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