Volcanic ash-cloud fears halt THAI, AirAsia flights to Bali
Ash from a volcanic eruption on Indonesia’s Mount Raung forced Thai Airways International (THAI) and Thai AirAsia to cancel their flights to the tourist island of Bali yesterday.
Surapol Isarakura na Ayutthaya, THAI vice-president for commerce, said the airline yesterday cancelled its flight to Denpasar in Bali after local authorities temporarily closed the airport.
Mount Raung in East Java has spewed volcanic ash since last week. The resulting thick ash cloud has raised concerns over aircraft and flight safety, he said.
Flight TG431 was scheduled to depart Bangkok at 9.20am yesterday and arrive in Denpasar at 2.40pm. The return flight was due to leave Bali at 4.05pm and scheduled to arrive back at Suvarnabhumi airport at 7.15pm.
The airport closure yesterday affected flights operated by THAI and Thai AirAsia which said they are both monitoring the volcanic situation and are working closely with authorities at Denpasar airport to see when flights can resume.
Flg Off Surapol advised customers booked on flights to and from Denpasar to keep updated on the latest information. They can also check flight schedules on the airline’s website or phone its call centre.
Denpasar airport was shut down on Thursday night and was due to reopen at 9.30pm local time last night.
About 260 THAI passengers were left stranded at Denpasar and Suvarnabhumi airports as a result of the airport closure in Denpasar, Flg Off Surapol said.
He said THAI normally flies to two destinations in Indonesia, Jakarta and Bali.
Tassapon Bijleveld, chief executive of Asia Aviation Co which operates Thai AirAsia, also said the airline had cancelled its flight to Bali yesterday.
Flight FD396, usually departs Don Mueang airport at 6.15am and arrives in Denpasar at 11.30am. The return flight, FD397, leaves Denpasar at noon and arrives back at Don Mueang at 3.15pm.
Other carriers affected by the airport closure yesterday included Virgin Australia, Jetstar and Air New Zealand. A total of 112 Garuda Indonesia flights from Denpasar were also suspended.