Bali volcano eruption blindsides holidaying Queenslanders

Mass Bali flight cancellations due to the latest Indonesian volcanic eruption have hit Queenslanders’ travel plans for six.

A volcanic eruption in Indonesia has left Queenslanders stranded overseas and dreams of a beach holiday left in limbo.

Nine people were killed and more than 15,000 people evacuated after Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki began to erupt on November 3.

The twin volcano on Flores Island, just over 1000km from Bali, spewed dangerous ash 9km into the air, causing flights to be delayed and rescheduled.

By Tuesday afternoon, Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar had cancelled all flights to and from Denpasar, causing havoc among Australians.

At 12.45pm on Wednesday, Jetstar announced all flights would be cancelled until at least noon on Thursday.

“Due to volcanic ash caused by the Mount Lewotobi eruption in Indonesia, it is currently not safe to operate flights to and from Bali,” the statement read.

“We understand that this is a difficult situation for impacted customers.

“Safety is always our No.1 priority and we thank customers for their patience and understanding.

“Impacted customers will be notified directly and will be provided with options.”

A Brisbane Airport spokesman said flights were cancelled for the safety of passengers.

“For the safety of passengers, a number of flights between Brisbane and Denpasar have been cancelled following a volcanic eruption in Indonesia,” the spokesman said.

Linda Benn was stranded on the tarmac for hours after volcanic ash caused flight cancellations across Australia. Picture: Liam Kidston

“Passengers intending to travel, as well as friends and family with loved ones returning from Denpasar, should monitor airlines for regular updates.

“Airlines and their meteorologists will continue to reassess conditions throughout the day and decide when it is safe to resume travel.”

East Brisbane resident Linda Benn had plans to write her novel overlooking the crystal-blue ocean in Bali.

Those plans were shattered after she was stuck on the tarmac at Brisbane’s International Airport.

“I was going to get away to a Zen location and meditate while at the beach – but the universe has got other plans for me,” she said.

“I boarded around 3.30pm but I ended up waiting for hours because the flight crew were trying to figure out what to do.

“Now I see that all flights were cancelled, it is just sad, I just wanted to get away to the beach for a while.

“I am just trying to rearrange everything and organise a refund with Jetstar – it has just become a domino effect.

“It’s not the airline’s fault … things like this happen, it’s disruptive for everyone.”

Tweed Heads local Sarah Calder said she and her friend had to wait two days before they could return from Denpasar.

The pair only got home on Tuesday afternoon.

“Such is life, but I think we got lucky with our recovery flight,” Ms Calder said.