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Denpasar airport reopens as volcanic ash cloud moves away from Bali Airlines delay Bali flights despite airport opening as ash cloud moves
(35 minutes later)
Stranded holiday-makers in Bali should soon be able to head home with Denpasar airport reopening as the cloud of ash from Mount Raung drifts away, airlines say. Stranded holiday-makers in Bali might have to wait a little longer as airlines check to ensure conditions are safe for a resumption of flights.
A spokesman for Jetstar said the latest information from the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre indicated flying conditions had improved as the ash cloud has moved southwest of Bali this morning. Earlier on Saturday, Indonesian officials declared Bali’s Denpasar airport had reopened as the cloud of ash from the eruption of Mount Raung drifted away.
“Jetstar has determined it is safe to operate daylight services today. As a result, we will operate the scheduled return service between Perth and Bali this afternoon,” the spokesman said on Saturday.
He said Jetstar would make a decision about night-time flights around 3pm and update customers shortly after that.
Two Jetstar flights are operating on Saturday – JQ106 from Perth to Bali, departing 1.35pm Perth time, and JQ105 from Bali to Perth, departing 6.30pm Bali time.
Related: Volcanic ash cloud prompts Virgin Australia to cancel all flights to BaliRelated: Volcanic ash cloud prompts Virgin Australia to cancel all flights to Bali
A spokeswoman for Virgin said they would make an announcement about flights to and from Denpasar about 3pm. A spokesman for Jetstar said latest information from the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre indicated flying conditions had improved as the ash cloud has moved south-west of Bali this morning.
A spokesman for Indonesia’s transport ministry announced on Saturday morning the airport at Denpasar had reopened after it was deemed clear of ash from Mount Raung. But the company said it had delayed departure of scheduled flights between Australia and Bali.
However, other Indonesian airports remain closed. “We’ve done this to enable our operations team to assess the next Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) update before making a decision on tonight’s flying,” Jetstar said.
Mount Raung erupted on July 2. The volcano is about 150 kilometres west of Denpasar airport in East Java, the main airport for those heading to Bali. Jetstar is delaying three scheduled flights from Australia to Bali and three returning from Bali.
Virgin is also being cautious. A statement from the airline said latest advice from their meteorologists and VAAC indicated conditions had improved.
“However to ensure the safety of operating in the area, Virgin Australia requires pilots to have visual confirmation of the improved conditions first,” the company said in a statement on Saturday afternoon.
“Therefore Virgin Australia has sent an observation flight to Denpasar this afternoon.”
Should that confirm conditions are suitable, all Saturday flights out of Denpasar today will go ahead.
But should the flight find conditions are unsuitable, all Saturday evening flights departing Denpasar will be cancelled.
Subject to clear flying conditions, both Jetstar and Virgin will put on extra flights on Sunday.
Mount Raung erupted on 2 July, emitting plumes of ash which can choke jet engines. The volcano is about 150km west of Denpasar airport in East Java, the main airport for those heading to Bali.
Denpasar airport was closed on Friday, along with nearby regional terminals including Lombok, because of the plumes rising from Mt Raung,.Denpasar airport was closed on Friday, along with nearby regional terminals including Lombok, because of the plumes rising from Mt Raung,.
The ash grounded planes from Virgin, Jetstar, Garuda and AirAsia on Friday, after earlier closures immediately after the eruption.The ash grounded planes from Virgin, Jetstar, Garuda and AirAsia on Friday, after earlier closures immediately after the eruption.
A spokesman for Indonesia’s transport ministry announced on Saturday morning the airport at Denpasar had reopened after it was deemed clear of ash from Mount Raung.
However, other Indonesian airports remain closed. Mount Raung erupted on July 2.