The Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre has upgraded the Aviation warning for Bali’s Mt Agung to Orange, up from Yellow. Some experts believe the volcano could erupt within hours.
The Indonesian Government is also making plans in the event that Mt Agung erupts, such as extending tourists visas for those that may become stranded, and diverting flights to other airports. Virgin Australia and Jetstar have also told media they will carry extra fuel in case they need to divert. Virgin Australia is also routing some flights to Bali through Darwin for fuel stops. Singapore Airlines have said in a statement on their website: “Customers travelling to Denpasar (Bali) between September 23, 2017 to October 2, 2017 with their tickets issued on or before September 22, 2017 may contact their nearest SIA ticket office if they would like to rebook or request for a refund of their tickets.”
[Travel to Bali] All flights currently operating as scheduled; we’ll contact customers directly if there are changes https://t.co/yyWLWRx3Uj
— Jetstar Airways (@JetstarAirways) September 27, 2017
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has also issued a travel warning for the Indonesian island of Bali and asked travelers to check with their airlines after Mount Agung has shown increased volcanic activity. The UK, US and several other countries have also issued travel advisories for the area.
Increased volcanic activity at #MountAgung #Bali. Contact your airline/tour operator to confirm travel plans. https://t.co/tHJ3osyyiy
— Smartraveller (@Smartraveller) September 22, 2017
The volcano warning for Mount Agung is at level 4, the highest alert level, meaning an eruption could be imminent. Passengers to Bali should also check with their travel insurance company to confirm if they will be covered in the event an eruption causes issues with their travel.
With Bali’s Mt Agung ready to blow, now might be a good time to read the fine print on the travel insurance. Act of God?
— Adam Harvey (@adharves) September 22, 2017
Mount Agung is about 76 kilometres from Denpasar airport and last erupted in 1963. Last September flights were disrupted after Mount Rinjai began errupting. Mount Rinjani is approximately 250 kilometres from Denpasar airport,.
If Mount Agung does errupt as predicted it could affect up to 20 000 passengers during the Australian spring school holidays. Bali is one of most visited holiday destination for Australians.