The ash has cleared up enough for airlines to operate flights out of Bali today, bringing thousands of stranded Australians back from their prolonged holidays.
Virgin Australia and Jetstar have resumed services to and from the popular tourist destination while conditions in the vicinity of Denpasar Airport remain favourable.
Virgin has scheduled eight additional services today to move as many guests as possible.
In total, the airline will operate 18 flights to and from the island.
Despite resumed services, Virgin is offering guests whose flights have been cancelled as a result of volcanic activity the option to change their booking to another date or an alternative destination within 30 days without fee.
If flying conditions remain clear, Jetstar will operate its usual eight scheduled services plus an additional 10 flights.
The low-cost carrier’s parent airline, Qantas, is also coming to rescue, by moving aircraft on Jetstar routes to free up aircraft to fly to Bali.
Together, the airlines brought back some 2,000 passengers late yesterday. Another 2,500 are expected to fly back today.
“We plan to add extra flights in and out of Bali from Wednesday, subject to clear flying conditions.”
Qantas statement
“As we’ve seen during the past fortnight, the ash cloud’s movement is highly unpredictable.”
Jetstar will continue to closely monitor the situation with the Volcanic Ash Authority Centre (VAAC), and cancellations may occur if conditions prevent safe operations.
