Australian travellers have been stranded after flights to and from Bali were cancelled and delayed due to volcanic ash caused by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi on the south-eastern part of the remote island of Flores, Indonesia.
The 1584-metre volcano erupted again overnight with the largest column sending rocks, lava and ash about nine kilometres into the sky, according to Indonesia’s Centre for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation.
It recorded a significant increase in seismic activity and ordered visitors and tourists to maintain an eight-kilometre distance from the volcano.
There is also a threat of rain-induced lava floods in rivers that originate at the mountain’s peak.
“The public should remain calm and follow the direction of the local government and not believe issues that have unclear sources,” the centre said in a statement.
As a result, Jetstar cancelled all flights to and from Bali this morning but expects flights this afternoon to go ahead as scheduled.
“We continue to monitor the situation closely and will contact customers directly if there are any further changes to our schedule,” the airline said in a statement.
“We recommend passengers check their flight status on Jetstar.com before coming to the airport.”
Jetstar customers who booked to fly today and tomorrow but no longer wish to do so can rebook their flight at no extra charge, cancel their booking and receive a credit voucher or manage booking.
Virgin has had no cancellations at this stage but is experiencing some delays to two services out of Melbourne and Brisbane this afternoon.
Following flights from Bali to Australia will also be impacted by the delays.
“Virgin Australia’s meteorologists are closely monitoring ash cloud movement in Indonesia following the eruption of Mount Lewotobi overnight,” a Virgin spokesperson said.
“Safety is our top priority and based on the current forecast we expect some delays to Bali services today.”
There are no impacts on Qantas flights today.
