Flights to Bali Cancelled as Volcano Erupts, Sending Ash Cloud 9km High

Airlines Ground Bali Flights Due to Volcanic Ash Cloud

Three Australian airlines—Jetstar, Qantas, and Virgin Australia—have suspended flights to and from Bali following a volcanic eruption at Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. The eruption, which occurred on Sunday, sent a significant ash column soaring 9 kilometers into the atmosphere, leading to hazardous conditions for air travel. Tragically, the eruption has claimed nine lives and forced the evacuation of over 15,000 individuals from the surrounding areas.

The Bureau of Meteorology has noted that the volcano has displayed ongoing eruptive activity for the past fortnight. As easterly winds shift volcanic ash towards Denpasar airport, operational disruptions have been reported. The Bureau warned that the ash could impact Bali and parts of northern Australia throughout Wednesday.

Consequently, both Qantas and Virgin Australia experienced flight cancellations and delays, with Virgin reporting that ten of its flights to and from Indonesia were grounded due to "adverse weather." A spokesperson emphasized the airline’s commitment to safety and is working diligently to rebook affected passengers.

Jetstar also announced the cancellation of all flights to and from Denpasar until at least 2 PM AEDT on Wednesday, stating that the current conditions render it unsafe to operate. The airline plans to assess the situation continuously, expressing intentions to reinstate flights if conditions allow.

With multiple flights from Sydney and other Australian cities affected, travelers are advised to stay informed about their flight statuses. This eruption serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of volcanic activity and its far-reaching consequences on air travel and safety.

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Photo credit www.theguardian.com