UPDATED
The continuing eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara is disrupting flight operations at adjoining airports. Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport also experienced flight delays and cancellations occasioned by atmospheric volcanic ash threatening safe flight operations.
According to NusaBali.com, through 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, 13 November 2024, a total of 174 domestic and international flights were disrupted in some manner by the erupting volcano,
84 flights were canceled between Monday, 04 November, and Tuesday, 12 November, comprised of 36 departures and 48 arrivals. On Wednesday, 13 November 2024, an additional 90 flights were affected, comprised of 26 domestic flights and 64 international flights.
Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, the general manager of the Ngurah Rai International Bali Airport, explained the canceled flights constituted 20% of the 400 daily flight movements. “The decision to cancel flights came mostly from Australian Airlines, who canceled flights out of an abundance of caution,” said Shahab.
Meanwhile, the Bali Airport Authority continues vigilantly monitoring atmospheric conditions surrounding the Island of Bali. PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia is conducting paper tests to measure the presence of volcanic ash at the airport. No volcanic fallout has been recorded at the Island’s airport.
Domestic flight operations have been affected on flights to and from Labuan Bajo, Jakarta, Lombok, Tambolaka, and Sumbawa, with cancellations across these destinations. International flights affected mostly originate or end in Australia.
Airlines are offering refunds and penalty-free rebookings of any flight canceled due to volcanic ash.
As a precaution, Bali Airport has activated its Airport Disaster Management Plan (ADMP) to handle natural emergencies. A joint command post in the Airport Operation Control Centre (AOCC) has been activated to monitor the situation in real-time.
UPDATE
By Thursday, 04 November, three Australian airlines – Qantas, Virgin, and Jetstar had resumed flights to Bali from Sydney, Darwin, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth.
Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport’s operations are gradually returning to normal in terms of passenger totals. On Wednesday, 03 November, the airport handled 35,865 passengers and 54,320 the following day.
Related Links
Bali Ngurah Rai Airport Website
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