Virgin and Jetstar cancel Bali flights due to Volcanic eruptions

[meloz]

Or maybe it is a graphic reminder that ash isn't an imaginary issue - whilst the aircraft is on the ground covered here, we all know what ash can do once an aircraft is in the air.

Maybe.

The reference to Garuda and a year old picture taken somewhere else is the part that threw me.

 

[dajop]

Don't forget though SQ can simply turn around and be home within 2 hrs or so if the ash clouds come back to fully close the airport again or divert to its other Indonesian ports (SUB or CGK), JQ and VA have a lot further to get back home (although noting 3K does operate to SUB and CGK).

 

[Melburnian1]

dajop, true, but Australian airlines could refuel in SUB or elsewhere. Crew hours being exceeded could be a problem, but that is a logistical matter not one of safety.

 

[kewpid]

Does anyone want to speculate what the situation might be like in 2 weeks? We've booked backup refundable accommodation in Thailand, assuming VA can get 4 pax to coughet around the same dates, but given the late notice it's not of the same quality (first world problems!)

 

[ChrisDPom]

Ash cloud risk must be higher.
JQ have cancelled 6 out of 7 recovery flights today leaving one DPS-DArwin for a decision by 11.30am local time (due to fly at 15.20).

 

[ksthommo]

Doesn't look good anytime soon.

 

[Melburnian1]

Surely this situation will cease at some stage. Isn't the history of most volcanoes that any eruptions are exceeded to a large degree by medium to extremely long dormancy periods?

November is a low volume travel month into and out, and (for leisure) within Australia. With school holidays not far away, the number of affected travellers will skyrocket in December should the (lack of) response of the Australian-domiciled airlines in terms of either not carrying passengers both ways, or only carrying them south, continue.

 

[mannej]

dajop, true, but Australian airlines could refuel in SUB or elsewhere. Crew hours being exceeded could be a problem, but that is a logistical matter not one of safety.

Crew hours whilst a logistical issue also has safety implications as well.

 

[ChrisDPom]

Last time this one erupted in the 1990s (94 or 95?) it rumbled on and off for over a year.

So hopefully not that long this time but likely to continue at some level of ash output for a while.

Chris

 

[ChrisDPom]

And Jetstar cancelled the only non cancelled flight flight a bit earlier 15.20 to Darwin. So today ash cloud 7, Jetstar 0.
Decision on Saturday TBC.

 

[Melburnian1]

Given Bali's popularity travel insurers might well have a very busy December and January, irrespective as to how many claims they knock back or (as insurers do) continually seek additional information from insured travellers.

 

[TomVexille]

Crew hours whilst a logistical issue also has safety implications as well.

I would presume that crew hours rules exist purely for safety reasons

 

[dajop]

For reference, posted on 9 Nov on EK website, that shows JQ and VA are not the only ones not flying. Again DXB is long flight with associated operational complexity:

Last updated: 9 November 2015, 03:00 Dubai (GMT+4)
UPDATE: Volcano Mt. RINJANI on the island of Lombok in Indonesia continues to be in an active erupting state. The volcanic ash cloud is in the vicinity and at times over Denpasar (DPS/Bali) airport and has resulted in the intermittent closure of the airport by the authorities.
As a result, Emirates’ services (passengers and cargo) to Denpasar (DPS/Bali) have been cancelled up to and including the 15th November and from Denpasar (DPS/Bali) up to and including the 16th November. All passengers who were planning to travel to Denpasar (DPS/Bali) as their final destination will be given the option to rebook to Jakarta (CGK) or an alternate Emirates destination (offered under Emirates regulations) as their new final destination.
Passengers stranded in Denpasar who have not already made their own alternative travel arrangements are being rebooked as they report at the airport via selected other airline services to Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Jakarta and onwards via Emirates.
Once Emirates recommences services to Denpasar (DPS/Bali), flights will be reopened for sale via Book Flights | Find Hotels and Car Rental | Emirates.com, Emirates Call Centres, travel agents and our ticket office in Denpasar (DPS/Bali).
Passengers can contact their local Emirates office, Emirates Customer Service, or their travel agent for rebooking options and booking conditions. Passengers can also check flight status below for the latest information. We apologise for any inconvenience. The safety of our crew and passengers is our top priority.

 

[ChrisDPom]

Another long haul flyer not risking Bali turn backs today.
NB: as I type this in Seminyak, just heard a jet overhead that has taken off from DPS

 

[klavdy]

I am in Seminyak too, been stuck since the 8th, rebooked on Virgin on the 15th, a weeks delay.
We're in a nice hotel, with insurance cover,heard of people that aren't so fortunate.
Guess it's a waiting game now.

 

[PLANT]

Cruise ships really need to get their act together?

 

[dajop]

We're in a nice hotel, with insurance cover,heard of people that aren't so fortunate.

At least in Bali, you can get semi-reasonable accomodation for $30-40/night, and reasonable for $50-60. Much better (financially) to be stuck in Bali due to ash clouds than in London!

 

[Captain hum]

For reference, posted on 9 Nov on EK website, that shows JQ and VA are not the only ones not flying. Again DXB is long flight with associated operational complexity:

Yes but this was when DPS was actually closed and at least EK cancelled days ahead. Giving their guests time to rebook or make other plans. Until today VA were giving an average of 12 hours notice.

 

[ChrisDPom]

I am in Seminyak too, been stuck since the 8th, rebooked on Virgin on the 15th, a weeks delay.
We're in a nice hotel, with insurance cover,heard of people that aren't so fortunate.
Guess it's a waiting game now.

Let me know if you are delayed kvaldy and we can have a mini meet

Busy tomorrow otherwise would offer to catch up straight away.

Chris

 

[klavdy]

Hiya Chris,now that sounds rather a splendid suggestion.
We just got cancelled from tonight's flight, I'm looking at alternatives.
AIR ASIAS prices just went from $300 odd each seat to somewhere north of $900.
On an altogether different note, we went to arguably the best Italian restaurant in Bali last night, "Italian food at Seminyak " in the double six hotel.
absolutely fantastic.
Lets see what today brings,,,