DENPASAR, 29 June 2018 (UPDATED 30 June 1300): Following improved conditions this morning, Saturday, Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport has reopened for air traffic.
Airlines have now resumed services to Bali and Surabaya after Indonesian authorities gave clearance to airports this mornings.
New ash clouds were discharging into the sky over Bali’s Mount Arung, the island’s highest volcano yesterday and the situation worsened on Friday forcing the closure of the two airports.
Tour operators updated clients on Thursday saying authorities had issued warnings to residents on the latest activity, but reassuring residents there was no imminent danger.
The volcano has been active since last year and at one point eruptions caused a mass evacuation of villagers in a 12 km radius of the crater for more than two months.
However, Asian Trails, a leading destination management company on the island, reported Thursday that the no-go zone remained unchanged at a 4 km radius,
Local government officials said the security level remained at level 3 with the 4-kilometer safety perimeter staying in place as outlined in the latest report issued in February.
The ash cloud was moving in a southwest direction and authorities were on stand-by should the ash cloud head towards Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport. That proved to be the outcome forcing a closure late Thursday and then flights resumed mid-Friday morning for a short spell. Due to the constantly changing flight status, travellers should check with the Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport or their airline.
