Flights to Bali grounded after volcanic eruption covers sky in ash

Wild volcanic eruptions in Indonesia have caused Australian airlines to cancel multiple flights, leaving Aussies stranded and feeling frustrated.

Travellers have been left fuming after multiple flights between Australia and Bali were cancelled due to volcano eruptions near the holiday hotspot.

There have been several eruptions from Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province for several days, causing thick, black ash and smoke to spew out of the mountain and blanket the air for several kilometres.

Volcanic ash has risen up to 10 metres altitude, with fireballs and debris smashing down on neighbouring villages.

Flights from Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia have all been affected by the volcano.

Two travellers are forced to wait to see if their flight to Bali will go ahead. Picture: NineNews

Some travellers have been left stranded in the holiday hotspot due to the ash. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

Travellers intended for Bali were disappointed their flights wouldn’t take off, with some unable to receive refunds due to sale ticket conditions.

“(The airline) didn’t tell us anything,” one of the girls told 9News, sitting on the floor with her friend, surrounded by luggage.

“We couldn’t get it refunded because it was sale flights.”

Some Aussies have been left stranded on the island as they await for their flights to be rescheduled.

One traveller said she was unable to find accommodation while she waited for her rescheduled flight.

“It’s just ridiculous,” she said, explaining the airline told her she could possibly fly out by 5pm Wednesday afternoon, though that was “not guaranteed”.

A Jetstar spokesperson said Jetstar flights to and from Bali had been disrupted due to a volcanic ash cloud from Mount Lewotobi in Indonesia.

“Impacted customers have been notified directly and provided a range of options, including rebooking their travel for no charge or cancelling their bookings and obtaining a voucher to the value of their untravelled flights.”

Jetstar confirmed it would operate two flights between Bali and Australia to clear up the backlog of stranded customers, “including a special flight using our larger 787 aircraft, to get passengers to their destinations as soon as possible”.

The ongoing volcanic eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki has impacted flights to and from Australia. Picture: NewsWire Handout,

Four Virgin Australia flights were cancelled on Tuesday, two from Denpasar and two from Bali’s airport.

“The safety of our guests and crew is our highest priority,” a spokesperson for the airline said. “We regret the inconvenience this has caused our passengers, and our team is working hard to ensure all passengers booked on our services get to their destination safely and as soon as possible.”

Qantas flights left as scheduled on Tuesday, though one had to circle back to the airport following flight conditions; it is anticipated to fly out today and the airline has offered customers accommodation overnight.

Originally published as Flights to Bali grounded after volcanic eruption covers sky in ash