Flights between Australia and Bali have been suspended due to multiple volcanic eruptions near the popular tourist island, disrupting the travel plans of hundreds of passengers.
Jetstar and Virgin Australia have canceled flights due to ash clouds from Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in Indonesia, which has seen several eruptions in recent days.
Qantas also delayed two flights between Sydney and Denpasar due to the movement of the volcanic ash cloud towards Denpasar airport.
The delayed flights have been rescheduled for today.
An AirAsia plane bound for Bali took off from Perth on Tuesday night, but a subsequent one was delayed.
Two flights scheduled for this morning have been cancelled.
Christine Sutherland is among hundreds of affected travelers whose holiday plans have been thrown into chaos.
“We are a group of 20 people and all our flights have been cancelled,” he said. Perth now.
School children were seen running from Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in Indonesia when it first erupted (pictured)
Residents watch the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki from Eputobi village.
‘We are trying to find accommodation for the night and room costs are now increasing by 40 per cent.
“We’ve rebooked our flight for Wednesday night so we’re looking forward to leaving.”
The active volcano on the remote island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara province has seen an increase in activity, forcing authorities to expand the danger zone. 9 news reported.
The column of volcanic ash has risen to 5,500 m altitude.
Travelers have been urged to contact their airline to check for flight changes or cancellations.
Travelers have been urged to contact their airline to check for flight changes or cancellations.
It is up to the airlines to make the decision to fly in the conditions.
Tourists were left stranded at Perth Airport after Jetstar and Virgin Australia canceled their flights to Bali (pictured)
Travelers urged to check if their flight has been canceled or delayed (file photo of tourists on Kuta Beach in Bali)
The volcano erupted on Sunday, killing nine people and spewing ash 9 kilometers into the air.
Indonesian authorities have been trying to evacuate 16,000 people from nearby villages as the eruptions continue.
It is dangerous to fly with volcanic ash in the air because it is abrasive and hard, which can damage parts of the plane, mainly the propellers.
Volcanic ash can also reduce visibility, making flying even more dangerous.
