Virgin Australia cancels Bali flights due to volcanic ash disruption

Virgin Australia has implemented necessary adjustments to its Bali flight schedule following the eruption of Mount Lewotobi in Indonesia. The volcanic eruption has released a significant ash cloud, making it unsafe to operate flights to and from Denpasar, Bali. Consequently, all Virgin Australia flights scheduled to depart for, or arrive from, Denpasar on November 13, 2024 have been cancelled.

Virgin Australia's decision to cancel these flights underscores its commitment to passenger and crew safety, as volcanic ash poses serious hazards to aircraft operations. Ash particles, if drawn into engines, can damage mechanical systems and pose the risk of engine failure. Additionally, visibility for pilots can be severely compromised by airborne ash, which can also interfere with aircraft navigation systems. For these reasons, the airline has chosen to temporarily suspend its Bali operations until conditions improve and it is deemed safe to resume flights.

The airline has proactively contacted guests affected by today's cancellations to provide alternative travel options or rebooking assistance. Virgin Australia has also issued an advisory to all guests booked to travel to or from Bali between Thursday, November 14, and Saturday, November 16, encouraging them to stay updated with the latest flight information. This information will be available on Virgin Australia's website, where updates will be posted as the situation unfolds.

Safety remains Virgin Australia's highest priority, and the airline's meteorology team is closely monitoring volcanic activity around Mount Lewotobi. Virgin Australia will continue to assess conditions in coordination with Indonesian aviation authorities, ensuring that all operational decisions align with the most current safety recommendations. Passengers are encouraged to check Virgin Australia's website regularly for any new updates regarding flight schedules and travel advice related to the Mount Lewotobi eruption.