JETSTAR has resumed its services to Bali after cancelling flights to and from the island following a volcanic eruption overnight.
The airline issued an updated statement, advising passengers that flights were back on.
“Jetstar will resume services to Bali on 3 July 2015 after our team assessed flying conditions with the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) this morning and determined it was safe to fly there again.
“We’ll work to get all Bali passengers moving to their destination as quickly as possible throughout the day.
“We regret the impact these cancellations have had on our passengers, particularly during the busy school holiday period, but we will always put safety before schedule.”
Jetstar also promised to monitor volcanic activity in the region, and to update customers if “we need to make changes to the flying schedule”.
Virgin Australia, which also flies to Bali, remained unaffected.
The airline first announced the cancellation affecting nine flights about 11:30pm yesterday, telling passengers that an ash cloud from the Mount Raung eruption in Indonesia was drifting towards Denpasar International Airport.
“We regret the disruption this weather event has caused our passengers, and thank them for their patience as we work to provide alternative options,” Jetstar said.
“All passengers on rescheduled or cancelled flights will be notified by Jetstar or their Travel Agent directly and provided with options to fly on alternative services.
“We are closely monitoring the weather conditions and will provide further updates on the impact to flights.”
Two flights were forced to turn around midway through their journey yesterday due to the eruption.
Indonesian authorities raised the alert after an eruption at Mount Raung caused ash to coat villages as far as 10 kilometres away.
Jetstar has listed several options available to those holding a July 2 or July 3 ticket, and urges passengers to contact its customer centre within seven days of their intended travel time, free of charge.
Virgin Australia, which also flies to and from Bali, remained unaffected by the eruption.
“Safety is always our highest priority and we are closely monitoring the situation to ensure our flights are unaffected by any ash emanating from Mt Raung.
“Guests are encouraged to check the flight status page on our website for up-to-date travel information,” a spokesman said.
Several Virgin Australia flights landed in Denpasar last night without incident.
The volcanic eruption could be heard 20 kilometres away. Pilots also reported seeing ash 3.5 kilometres in the air.
Authorities cordoned off a two-kilometre radius around the volcano, and raised the alert level to “Siaga” — the second highest level.
The Head of Prevention and Disaster Preparedness at the local Natural Disaster Mitigation Agency said that the eruption could be seen from a lookout post in Banyuwangi, East Java.
Volcanologists have recorded an increase in volcanic activity and tremors on the 3,332-metre high Mount Raung since June 24.
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