Bali airport reopens after volcanic eruption leaves thousands of tourists stranded

Mount Agung continues to spew smoke and ash and is at risk of further eruptions

Over 300 flights were cancelled as a consequence of Mount Agung's volcanic activity (AP)

A volcanic eruption on the Indonesian island of Bali left thousands of tourists stranded yesterday after Ngurah Rai international airport closed for 12 hours.

More than 25,000 people were affected by the cancellation of over 300 flights, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency.

Mount Agung shot smoke and ash thousands of metres into the sky, with traces detected as high as 23,000 feet by an overhead pilot.

The airport has since reopened, and an airport official said that it airport will operate for 24 hours straight to get the flights back on schedule and ensure travellers are transported to their destination, reports Channel News Asia.

The volcano is located about 75km from Kuta, the major tourist hub on the island. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises against all travel within 4km of the Mount Agung crater in east Bali and within 7km of the Mount Sinabung crater in Kalo Regency.

Two domestic airports at Banyuwangi and Jember were also forced to close for safety reasons.

Ash is dangerous for planes as it can reduce visibility, make runways slippery and cause engine failure.

After a dormant period, Mount Agung erupted in November 2017 and has been erupting periodically ever since.

The Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation has issued an orange level warning, which indicates continued activity with an increased risk of eruption.

Indonesia is the world’s most active volcanic region, lying on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” where tectonic plates collide, causing frequent volcanic and seismic activity.

My flights have been affected: can I get a refund?

Airlines are not required to pay compensation for disruptions caused by circumstances beyond their control, such as volcanoes.

In similar circumstances, such as the recent eruption in Guatemala or the ash produced by the Icelandic volcano, airlines often compensate customers who find themselves out of pocket by refunding flights or offering alternatives. Contact your airline directly for more information.