Ash plume hangs around, bringing more cancellations
The Chilean volcanic plume has continued to linger over the Tasman Sea, forcing the cancellation of flights in Tasmania and New Zealand.
The Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre said the ash would remain over Tasmania until late Friday afternoon, while New Zealand could be shrouded for another 24 hours.
Airlines have been monitoring the situation and were planning to resume services into and out of Tasmania on Friday afternoon.
Jetstar cancelled all of its New Zealand services, both domestic and trans Tasman on Friday.
Qantas cancelled about 200 flights on Thursday, bringing to about 50,000 the number of travellers who have been affected over two days.
Virgin cancelled 166 flights, affecting 13,500 people, while Tiger Airways axed 24 flights, affecting 3500 passengers.
Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce said the cancellation of flights had cost $21 million so far but said the airline valued its reputation for safety more than profits.
Ian Jarrett
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