Bali Mount Agung Latest Update

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

 

LATEST UPDATE* (Update, Monday 4 December 2017)

Bali is experiencing mostly clear skies today and flights in and out of Denpasar have resumed. Please note however that many carriers are not operating a normal schedule so it is important that you check the status of specific flights with the carrier or with your travel expert.

 

LATEST UPDATE* (Friday 1 December 2017)

Although conditions remained favourable for flights to operate in and out of Denpasar (DPS) today, it would appear change in wind direction means that the Mt Agung ash cloud is expected to move further towards Denpasar today. Lombok Airport (LOP) will remain closed until approximately 1600 local time today.

Jetstar (JQ) has responded by cancelling some of the ex Bali services / evacuation flights that were scheduled for this afternoon. Please check directly with other carriers to see their planned services for today or contact your travel expert directly. Flight Centre will continue to monitor the situation and will get in touch with any passengers affected.

 

LATEST UPDATE* 

Denpasar's Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS) and Lombok International Airport (LOP) remain open today after services resumed late yesterday afternoon (local time).  Experts feel that a major eruption is still imminent however the wind remains favourable and heavy rain overnight has also improved conditions.

Please continue to refer to the airline or supplier's website for the status of your travel as well as to find any re-accommodation or cancellation policies.Your travel expert will also provide you with updates on the situation as it further unfolds.

 

29 NOV Update

Mt Agung continues to spew ash and smoke and now large volcanic rocks have been found up to 4 km from the summit. The ash cloud has now reached heights up to 10,000 metres. Scientists predict that a major eruption is imminent. The exclusion / evacuation zone around the volcano is  currently 10 km and all residents and visitors in that area are advised to leave immediately. Kuta, Ubud, Seminyak and the other popular beach areas are not affected by the volcano.

  • Denpasar's Ngagurah Rai Airport (DPS) will remain closed until further notice.
  • Lombok International Airport (LOP) is currently open with flights operating by Garuda, Silkair, Citilink,Lion Air, and AirAsia.
  • Semarang Ahmad Yani Airport (SRG) is also open and operating.
  • Buses are regularly leaving Kuta for Surabaya's Juanda International Airport (SUB) (a 12 hour journey from Kuta).  Currently the charge for a one way bus is 300.000 IDR.
  • Also for Jakarta there are buses leaving as soon as they are full ((this is a 24 hour trip). Currently the charge for one way is 300.000 IDR. Buses are leaving regularly from 07:00 till 20:00.

Flight Centre is advising all customers that due to the ongoing ash cloud eruption from Mt Agung and the prevailing winds that are bringing it in range of Denpasar, the airport will remain closed until further notice.

Customers due to depart for Bali

The current situation remains ever-changing and suppliers and airlines will update their websites with the applicable re-accommodation or cancellation policy. Your Flight Centre travel expert will provide you with updates regarding pending travel. Alternatively, we recommend that customers refer to the information published on the airline or supplier's website.

Option for customers in Bali

Semarang Ahmad Yani Airport (SRG) is open and operating. Buses are regularly leaving Kuta for Surabaya's Juanda International Airport (SUB) (a 12 hour journey from Kuta).  The journey from Denpesar to Surabaya by bus and ferry is at least six and a half hours. Customers in desperate need to leave may be able to secure flights from Surabaya via Jakarta (JKT), Singapore (SIN) or Kuala Lampur (KUL) to reach their next destination. Currently the charge for a one way bus is 300.000 IDR.  Also for Jakarta there are buses leaving as soon as they are full (this is a 24 hour trip). Currently the charge for one way is 300.000 IDR. Buses are leaving regularly from 07:00 till 20:00.

If travellers have already booked their trips and are scheduled to fly out soon, how might these developments impact on their trips?

Customers should not assume that their booking has been cancelled and should check with their travel expert, the supplier or the airline as to the status of their booking. Customers should ensure that they refer to the relevant supplier or airline website for the most up-to-date information.

Any re-accommodation or cancellation policy will be communicated by your travel expert or be available on the airline or supplier's website.

Customers in Bali should continue to follow the advice of the local authorities, suppliers or airlines regarding scheduled flights and stay well away from the volcano exclusion zone.

The situation is ever changing and travel experts will provide customers with updated information as this is received from the airline or supplier.

Can travellers claim refunds in events like these?

Whether or not a customer can claim a refund is dependent on the cancellation policy for the airline or supplier. Any re-accommodation or cancellation policies are generally available on the airline or supplier’s website during this time. It is vital that customers ensure that they are aware of any re-accommodation or cancellation policies specific to their travel prior to making any decisions regarding their travel.

Travel insurance is always highly recommended for travel and if a customer has confirmed a travel insurance policy, they should confirm the scope of cover for their specific policy. Customers should refer to the conditions and wording for their specific policy or get in touch with the insurer directly.

What measures do travel agents normally have in place to mitigate the effects of disasters like these?

Flight Centre travel experts will make every effort to alert and inform customers of any changes and relevant information timeously to ensure that customers are re-accommodated as per the policy of the airline or supplier. It is also imperative that the safety of customers who may already be at the destination is confirmed. Flight Centre will assist with alternative arrangements in line with the re-accommodation policy communicated by the airline or supplier.

What advice do you have for travellers making their way to Bali this holiday season?

The situation is constantly monitored and airlines as well as suppliers will continually assess the situation in coordination with the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre. Any updates will be communicated as they are received from the relevant authorities. It is vital that any customers due to travel remain in contact with their travel expert during this time, or that they refer to the relevant airline or supplier’s website for up-to- date information inclusive of re-accommodation and cancellation policies.