Flights between Australia and Bali have been disrupted as ash blown from an erupting volcano continues to affect travel to and from the Indonesian island.
Virgin Australia has cancelled all flights in and out of Bali due to the eruption of Mt Rinjani.
A 9:00am Virgin flight from Perth to the Balinese capital of Denpasar was turned around mid-air an hour into its flight.
Passengers at Perth Airport have not been told when their flight will be rescheduled, and are now trying to make alternative arrangements with other airlines.
Virgin said in a statement that two other flights, from Brisbane and Melbourne, were also “returning to origin”.
Meanwhile at least one Jetstar flight was also turned around mid-air.
Jetstar said it was reviewing its other flights to Bali on Friday and would inform passengers of any cancellations.
The airline has two flights scheduled to depart from Perth Airport this afternoon.
“Flights to/from Bali have been impacted by the volcanic ash cloud,” Perth Airport tweeted.
“Passengers travelling to Bali should check with their airline for updates.”
A Virgin spokesperson said the company would make a decision about future flights tomorrow morning, after consulting the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre.
The safety of our guests and crew is our highest priority,” the company said.
It is the third time in recent months that volcanic ash from the Indonesian island has affected flights to and from Australia.
SOURCE – www.abc.net.au
