By Le Figaro with AFP
Published
10 hours ago,
updated at 12:47 p.m.
”
data-script=”https://static.lefigaro.fr/widget-video/short-ttl/video/index.js”
>
A volcano on the neighboring island of Flores became active on Tuesday, disrupting flights to and from touristy Bali.
Several Asian and Australian airlines canceled flights to and from the tourist island of Bali, Indonesia, on Wednesday due to the eruption of a volcano in a nearby archipelago.
Australian airlines Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar, as well as Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia and Indigo (Malaysia), Cathay Pacific (Hong Jong), Scoot (Singapore) and Indigo (India) have all canceled several or all of their flights, according to an AFP journalist at Bali airport.
These disturbances are due to the eruption of the Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano, on the island of Flores, about 800 km east of Bali, which caused a column of ash and smoke 9 km high on Tuesday.
Nine dead and 31 injured
This 1,703 meter high volcano has erupted several times in recent days, killing nine people, injuring 31 and forcing 11,000 people to evacuate, according to Indonesian authorities.
“Due to volcanic ash caused by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi in Indonesia, it is currently unsafe to operate flights to and from Bali”explained the Jetstar companion in a travel advisory.
Volcanic eruptions pose a danger to planes in flight, as ash can damage engines and scratch the cockpit windshield until it is impossible to see through.
According to Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, general manager of Denpasar-Bali International Airport, 22 international flights and 12 domestic flights were affected on Tuesday. He did not provide a figure for Wednesday.
Airport operator PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia said on Wednesday it had carried out tests in its airspace and had not detected ash, adding that operating conditions were “normal”.
On video – Indonesia: new eruption of a volcano on the island of Flores in November 2024
”
data-script=”https://static.lefigaro.fr/widget-video/short-ttl/video/index.js”
>
