It’s good news for holidaymakers in Bali (longer holiday) but bad news for those trying to fly over – ash has disrupted flights to and from the popular island once again.
Six Jetstar flights were cancelled this morning along with eight Virgin services, leaving thousands of travellers stranded either on the island or at a local Australian airport.
Virgin Australia has also cancelled flights due to depart before 6.00pm tomorrow (Thursday 5 November).
According to a Jetstar update, the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) team recommended cancelling Denpasar services until ash from Mt Rinjani in Lombok clears up. The next update is due tomorrow at 11.45am.
“While we regret the frustration these cancellations will cause, the safety of our customers and crew is always our first priority.”
Jetstar
COCONUTS | Jetstar flights to and from Singapore to Bali cancelled due to volcanic… https://t.co/1Z8M21l3lM #sgnews pic.twitter.com/9QxTuKYG5a
— Singapore Scoops (@scoo_ps) November 3, 2015
Virgin shared the same sentiment, advising guests that a decision on tomorrow’s flights will be made once further information is available.
In the meantime, Virgin passengers whose flights have been cancelled will be advised of their new details via SMS or email, or they can contact the Guest Contact Centre on 07 3119 7019 (from Australia), 00 1803 061 2002 (from Indonesia) or +61 7 3119 7019 from other international locations.
Jetstar guests in Bali will be notified on how to rebook a new flight once operations are back up and running.
Jetstar, Virgin Australia cancels Bali flights due to volcanic ash https://t.co/dnGQ5tpkHU pic.twitter.com/qw84uTLQaN — Perth Australia (@PeRRthAus) November 3, 2015
However, those booked with the budget airline to fly out of Australia on a cancelled service and wish to amend travel plans can do so free of change within 28 days of the original departure (same destination). The carrier will also waive the rebooking fee to an alternative destination within 28 days of original departure.
Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) continues to urge travellers to exercise a ‘high degree of caution’ and to keep in regular contact with agents and airlines regarding flight changes.