Incredible images of massive ash cloud forcing Virgin, Jetstar, Qantas to axe Bali flights

Incredible images show the massive ash cloud that has forced Aussie airlines to axe flights to and from Bali.

Incredible images show the huge ash cloud causing flight chaos in Bali.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province has erupted several times since a major eruption in early November and at least nine people have died.

The volcanic ash has now forced Australian airlines to cancel flights to and from the country’s wildly popular holiday island.

Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia have all been affected by the volcano, with holiday-goers left disappointed they can’t get to Indonesia and others already in Bali unable to get home.

Those travelling from Australia have been warned to check their flight status before turning up to the airport.

Virgin Australia has cancelled all flights in and out of Bali on Wednesday, citing safety.

The airline said its team of meteorologists were continuing to monitor the situation.

“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,” a Virgin Australia spokesperson said.

In its latest update at 8.30am on Wednesday morning, Jetstar said flights would be cancelled until at least 2pm AEDT.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted a several times over the weekend. Picture: National Disaster Mitigation Agency/AFP

“Due to volcanic ash caused by the Mount Lewotobi eruption in Indonesia, it is currently not safe to operate flights to and from Bali,” a Jetstar travel alert said.

“Depending on ash cloud conditions, we intend to operate at least two additional return services between Australia and Bali on Wednesday afternoon, including a special flight using our larger 787 aircraft to get passengers to their destinations as soon as possible.”

Qantas has delayed two return flights from Sydney and is continuing to monitor the situation.

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

“We understand that this is a frustrating situation for customers with travel planned. Please be assured that safety is always our number one priority and we thank you for your patience and understanding.”

Indonesia experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”.

Originally published as Incredible images of massive ash cloud forcing Virgin, Jetstar, Qantas to axe Bali flights