JAKARTA (Bernama-Sputnik/RIA Novosti): The international airport on the Indonesian island of Bali has cancelled more than a dozen flights due to ongoing volcanic activity at Anak Krakatau, according to the Antara news agency, which cited airport authorities, Sputnik/RIA Novosti reported on Sunday.
The continuous eruption of Anak Krakatau has been observed since late evening of Sept 4. It has been accompanied by roaring sounds, vibrations, and lava fountains. According to satellite data, volcanic ash rose to approximately 14.6 kilometres (around 9 miles) above sea level.
"Following the increase in volcanic activity at Mount Anak Krakatau, a number of flights at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Bali Airport have been cancelled and/or had their schedules adjusted," Gede Eka Sandi Asmadi, head of the airport’s Communication and Legal Division, was quoted by Antara as saying.
According to the airport, as of 10.00 am Sunday local time (02:00 GMT), five flights from Jakarta to Bali had been cancelled. The changes affected flights operated by TransNusa and Indonesia AirAsia.
The airport administration said that Bali airport continues to operate normally. The airport's operator is coordinating with airlines and AirNav Indonesia, the Indonesian air navigation service that is monitoring airspace affected by volcanic activity.
Additional seats and services have been prepared for passengers stranded in the terminal due to cancellations and delays. Travellers are urged to check the flight status with their airline before departing for the airport.
Anak Krakatau is located in the Sunda Strait between the islands of Java and Sumatra. -- BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI
