Thousands of people were stranded at airports in Indonesia and Australia.
Several international airlines canceled flights to the Indonesian tourist island of Bali on Wednesday. Media reports said thousands of people were stranded at airports in Indonesia and Australia, but the exact number was not given. TASR informs according to the AP agency.
The disruption of flights was caused by the eruption of the Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano on the island of Flores in eastern Indonesia on Saturday. Tourists in Bali told the AP agency that they were stranded at the airport on Tuesday after flights were suddenly cancelled.
“The airline didn’t provide accommodation so we were stuck at this airport,” said Charlie Austin from Perth, Australia.
Another Australian tourist tries unsuccessfully to find another airline. “The important thing is we have to get out of here,” said Issabella Butler.
Volcanic activity limited flights at Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport as early as Saturday, the airport’s general manager said. In the last three days, there were 46 flights (30 scheduled departures and 16 arrivals). At least 12 domestic and 22 foreign flights were canceled on Tuesday alone. Airlines offer passengers a refund or a change of flight plan. Flights to and from Bali will be suspended until at least Thursday, and their eventual resumption will affect the flow of volcanic ash in the atmosphere.
Volcanic eruptions are frequent in Indonesia, the archipelago lies in an area with high seismic activity, also known as the Pacific Ring of Fire. There are approximately 130 active volcanoes on its territory.
