Bali’s airport re-opens but volcanic ash levels being monitored closely
Sultan Ashori Denpasar — The airport on Indonesia’s holiday island of Bali re-opened on Friday after ash from a volcano forced a brief closure and the cancellation of more than 300 flights. Mount Agung in north-eastern Bali has been rumbling to life intermittently since late last year and it began belching smoke and ash again on Thursday. It was shooting a column of ash more than 2,500m into the sky on Friday and officials said operations at Indonesia’s second-busiest airport would be reviewed every few hours. Earlier, authorities were forced to cancel 115 international flights and 203 domestic ones, affecting nearly 27,000 travellers. “We’re monitoring the eruption,” said Israwadi Israwadi, a spokesperson for airport operator Angkasa Pura. “The airport could be closed again if the eruption affects flight safety.” Airlines avoid flying through volcanic ash as it can damage aircraft engines, clog fuel and cooling systems and hamper visibility. Agung towers over eastern Bali at a heig...
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