Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki Volcano Erupts Again: A Reminder of Global Volcanic Threats to Aviation and Security

Indonesia’s restless Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted once again, spewing a towering ash column reaching an alarming 18 kilometers (11 miles) into the atmosphere. The eruption unleashed deadly avalanches of searing gas down its slopes, threatening nearby villages and reminding us all that geological dangers remain far from distant or mythical. The Indonesian Geology Agency confirmed there were no immediate casualties reported, but this eruption underscores a troubling pattern. Less than a year ago, in November, the same volcano caused nine fatalities and dozens of injuries—yet global aviation authorities and international emergency response networks still fail to adequately address the...