The latest on Bali flight cancellations

The latest on Bali flight cancellations
By Hannah Edensor


Holiday plans are being ruined en masse as Bali travellers remain in travel limbo because of volcanic ash that has grounded Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights in and out of Denpasar airport.

Melbourne man Brendan McCarthy was told his flight home from Bali on Friday had been cancelled until at least Monday.

Other travellers were being told their flights could be delayed until July 23, he said.

“We’ve been here for two weeks, have changed accommodation three times now,” Mr McCarthy told AAP.

As well as missing work, medical appointments and sporting commitments, he and his girlfriend are also facing additional unplanned travel costs that they hope to recoup through travel insurance.

“A fantastic holiday is now having a really bad ending,” Mr McCarthy said.

Air New Zealand said a flight due to depart from Bali on Saturday afternoon had been rescheduled to leave early on Sunday, conditions permitting.

The Insurance Council of Australia has advised travellers to confirm the compensation or alternative arrangement details of their travel insurance policies.

Both Jetstar and Virgin have said there will be additional flights between Australia and Bali, as soon as conditions improve.

Virgin customers can change their booking to another flight within 14 days at no extra charge or receive a full travel credit.

Indonesia’s flag-carrier Garuda said it had cancelled a total of 112 flights. Air Asia has confirmed its flights were re-routed away from the affected areas to other Bali airports.

Virgin has confirmed all flights in and out of Bali have been cancelled and is advising customers to call 13 67 89 to re-arrange their bookings.

Jetstar is yet to confirm the status of Friday evening flights.

Mt Raung erupted on July 2. The volcano is about 150km to the west of Denpasar airport – the main airport for those heading to Bali – in East Java.

The latest round of cancellations began on Wednesday evening.

Jetstar has so far been unable to consider flying any passengers out of Bali because it has no aircraft there.

A spokesman said the airline had to first fly passengers to Bali, before it had the ability to fly anyone home.

A Virgin spokeswoman said it was hard to predict weather conditions and the airline was keeping a close eye on the situation and taking advice from the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre based in Darwin.

Four other airports, including the international airport on neighbouring Lombok island, were also shut late on Thursday as Mount Raung in East Java province spewed clouds of ash, transport ministry spokesman J.A. Barata said.

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