Bali turmoil grows as more ash blows

AIRLINES are struggling to manage a growing number of Aussies stuck in Bali after more flights were scrapped due to a volcanic ash cloud.

Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport shut for six hours early yesterday when winds again blew ash in from the erupting Mount Raung.

The shutdown meant regular and extra services planned by Virgin Australia and Jetstar were scratched, resulting in the axing of 26 flights in and out.

Perth’s Des Jhones arrived at Ngurah Rai with his family to be told they would not be flying home.

He said others in the Jetstar queue had been stranded for four to five days already.

“It’s no one’s fault because it is a volcanic eruption. You can’t do anything about it,” Mr Jhones said. “I would like to go home today but I don’t think it is going to happen.”

Some passengers took to Facebook and Twitter to vent frustration over an alleged lack of communication by airlines.

Both Jetstar and Virgin Australia appealed for patience, saying they were doing the best they could.

“To help support our guests as best we can, we have rostered on extra staff in airports and call centres, as well as staff to monitor social media,” said a Virgin spokeswoman.

A Jetstar spokesman said the airline had boosted its airport and social media teams and was setting up a call centre in Australia.

“Our focus is on prioritising access to additional seats for those with urgent medical, hardship and other extenuat- ing circumstances,” he said.

A clearing of conditions late Saturday allowed both Jetstar and Virgin Australia to fly a total of 13 services, bringing 2000 Aussies home.

But dozens of passengers complained on social media, and bombarded airlines with questions about flights as far in advance as next month.

Sydney resident Bridget Candy urged Jetstar to employ more customer service staff in Australia “instead of routing everything to an offshore centre that don’t know what they are talking about”.