Flights cancelled as deadly volcano erupts
An aviation colour code red has been issued as the Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano erupted about 1pm AEST on Monday, according to MAGMA Indonesia, an application that monitors geological hazards in the region.
Flights have been cancelled across multiple airlines between Bali and Australia.
MAGMA Indonesia reported that the volcanic ash cloud has reached nearly 20km in height, but may be even higher than what can be observed.
'Ash cloud moving from north, northeast to northwest. Volcanic ash is observed to be Gray to dark. The intensity of volcanic ash is observed to be thick,' MAGMA's warning read.
'Eruption and ash emission is continuing. Eruption recorded on seismogram with maximum amplitude 47.3mm.'
Three services from Virgin Australia were cancelled, with guests set to be placed on new flights when it is safe to do so.
'Some Virgin Australia Bali services have been cancelled following the eruption of Mount Lewotobi earlier today' a Virgin Australia spokesperson said in a statement.
'The safety of our guests and crew is our highest priority and our team of expert meteorologists are closely monitoring the situation and ash cloud activity.
'We regret the impact of this on guests' travel plans and encourage guests travelling to or from Bali to closely monitor their flight status via the Virgin Australia website or app.'
It is understood that Jetstar have also cancelled a number of flights, with affected customers directly notified. It is understood Qantas has only had two delays.
A Qantas Group spokesperson said the airline group's meteorologist was closely monitoring the movement of the volcanic ash from the eruption.
'Safety is always our top priority, and we will contact customers directly if their flight is disrupted.'
The volcano is in the East Nusa Tenggara area of Indonesia, and has erupted repeatedly in the past year, including a November blast that killed nine people and caused thousands of evacuations.
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