Published on : Monday, June 2, 2014
Indonesian volcanic ash cloud erupted from Mount Sangeang Api has forced the cancellation of all flights from Australian city of Perth to Bali on Monday infuriating travellers scheduled to make their journey across the region.
Two Jetstar flights out of Perth were cancelled on Monday – the 5.10am flight to Denpasar and the 7.30am flight Singapore via Denpasar – due to the ash from the Sangeang Api volcano off the Indonesian island of Sumbawa. A Virgin Australia flight from Brisbane to Denpasar, which was scheduled to depart at 10.10am on Monday, was delayed until midday.However, Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia have all now either resumed flights to Darwin or are about to.
The plumes billowed from the Sangeang Api volcano off the Indonesian island of Sumbawa. The major plume affecting Australian aviation swept southeast over the west side of the Northern Territory and as far south as Alice Springs of Australia. The southwesterly ash cloud was nearing Bali but its effects on flights to Denpasar were not yet clear.
Australian Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss warned after the weekend’s problems it could take days for services to return to normal. The fine particles of volcanic ash can potentially damage plane engines.
Indonesia lies across a series of geological fault-lines and is prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. There are about 130 active volcanoes in Indonesia. The island of Sangeang Api has no permanent residents after they vacated following an eruption in 1988. Farmers nearby have reportedly been told to leave the area.
Tags: Australian flights, volcanic ash
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