Travel chaos as Bali ash cloud forces closure of airport
Travellers are being warned of continuing flight disruption over the coming days after the island’s airport was closed to all air traffic.
The island’s Mount Agung finally showed the seismic power it had been threatening to unleash for several weeks.
After erupting, a huge volcanic ash cloud caked the area in dust and is expected to affect the south of the island today where the airport is located
"While these disruptions are frustrating, we will always put safety before schedule," budget carrier Jetstar said in a statement.
Officials upgraded the Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA) to red, which is the highest warning, and said the ash cloud may reach more than 6,000 metres.
The safety exclusion zone around the peak was increased to 10 km.
The ash cloud also forced the closure of Lombok’s airport over the weekend, which lies about 70 miles southeast of the volcano.
Australia warned all citizens in or planning imminent travel to Bali to constantly check local media reports as the situation could quickly change.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps