A volcanic eruption left many tourists stranded in their home countries and in Indonesia due to the cancellation of all flights to and from Bali. However, there is now a light at the end of the tunnel as flights are able to resume.
The effect of the “Ring of Fire”
Indonesia sits on a series of seismic fault lines. Therefore, they are prone to earthquakes, landslides and volcanic activity. The horse-shaped area known as the “Ring of Fire” is responsible for causing many natural disasters, most notably volcanic eruptions.
The volcano that erupted is Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki. It is one of two volcanos on the island of Flores, the other being Mount Lewotobi Perempuan. They are located 800 kilometres east of Bali. In Indonesian, “Laki-Laki” translates to man and “Perempuan” translates to woman. The island’s volcanoes are frequently referred to as the “husband and wife.”
Laki-Laki first erupted earlier in the month, on Nov 3rd, and has continued to be active over the last ten days. The eruptions have killed nine people and forced the evacuation of others living near the crater for their safety.
Recently, an ash cloud that reached 9.2 kilometres in height erupted over the weekend. This ash made flying in and out of Bali dangerous, causing all airlines with flights to Bali to cancel them on Tuesday the 12th.
Stuck in limbo for two days.
All airlines had cancelled or delayed flights to I Gusti Ngurah International Airport, Bali, as there was no flight path in or out that was safe. Eighty-four flights had been affected by the eruption, with 64 international flights cancelled as of Wednesday, according to Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, the general manager of the airport.
As a result of these cancellations and delays, many tourists in Bali were not able to leave. However, most of the Airline’s did not provide compensation due to the eruption being an uncontrollable event. This put many passengers in tight spots, one Australian tourist telling the Associated Press that:
The airline did not provide accommodation, leaving us stranded at this airport.
Safe conditions, once again.
On the Nov 14, at 7:30 a.m., Central Indonesian Time, authorities gave all Arline’s the clearance to fly in and out of Bali.
Passengers no longer have to worry about being stranded; they can now make plans with their original airline to get home. On the other hand, those who have been waiting to start their holidays can do so.
However, many Airline’s are understanding of worries about currently travelling to Bali. For example, Qantas is offering a full refund, travel credits or date changes. This deal is exclusive to a passenger who booked before the 13th of November and whose trip ends before the 22nd.
Despite better flying conditions in and out of Bali, airline’s will start continue monitor conditions. As previously shown over the past month, the “Ring of Fire” causes constant uncertainty about when and not if the next eruption will be.
Have you ever been in a situation like those stranded in Bali? Let us know in the comments and on social media!
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