Aussies hoping to head to the holiday island of Bali are being hit by flight cancellations.
Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki is erupting, and ash in the air means it has been deemed unsafe to fly nearby.
There are three main airlines which fly from Australia to Bali: Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia.
Garuda Indonesia and Batik Air Malaysia also fly there.
Here’s everything you need to know if you’re going or you are there and need to get back to Australia.
Which airlines have cancelled flights to Bali?
Jetstar has cancelled all flights until 2pm today, and will give more updates here “as soon as possible”.
Qantas’ Sydney-Bali flights, which are due to leave later today, are so far going ahead but are delayed.
Garuda Indonesia flights are delayed in both directions today, according to a Facebook post.
Batik Air Malaysia flights are showing online as being on time.
How long are Bali flights expected to be disrupted?
Airlines say they’ll give updates later today.
In 2016, thousands of people were impacted when a Lombok volcano erupted, with flights cancelled for days.
What are my options if my flight to Bali is cancelled?
Jetstar says anyone due to fly today or tomorrow can rebook their flight at no extra charge up to 10 days later, depending on availability, or cancel their booking and get a credit voucher to the value of their flights.
Virgin Australia says it is contacting passengers, including booking them on new flights without charge.
Qantas says booked a flight to or from Bali before today, for travel from today until 22 November, can get a free refund, travel credit or date change up to 10 days from date of travel, subject to availability.
Does travel insurance cover volcanic-related cancellations?
It depends on your policy.
Compare the Market says “to get travel insurance with volcanic ash cloud cover you may need to purchase a comprehensive policy or top tier cover”.
It also depends on when you bought it, as it could become a “known event” which means you may not be covered.
Also check if other natural disasters are covered or not, as it will depend on your policy.
Check if there’s a risk of natural disasters where you are going on holiday on Smartraveller.
What should I do if I’m already in Bali and my return flight is cancelled?
The advice is to keep in touch with your airline, which may text or email you, and to also check your travel insurance and see if you may be covered.
Some airlines will reimburse you for expenses, but not always.
For example, Virgin Australia says it will only pay for hotels if cancellations are within its control, such as due to staffing issue.
