Bali travelers in limbo as ash cloud from volcano disrupts flights

The National -- Tens of thousands of tourists face uncertainty in the coming days after flights to and from Bali were cancelled amid a feared major volcanic eruption.

Most tourists are out of immediate danger, as the volcano site in Karangasem is some 75km from the hotspot of Kuta.

Locals too face an anxious wait to discover the fate of their homes and livelihoods after evacuating a 12km exclusion zone around Mount Agung.

 “Either people’s flights have been cancelled or people are worried about what could happen next.

“There is a lot of concern about how serious it could get, particularly for those who are living here and have homes near to the volcano.

“A lot of people have been freaking out about the possibility of an earthquake or a tsunami, no one knows what will happen next.”

Tens of thousands of tourists face uncertainty in the coming days after flights to and from Bali were cancelled amid a feared major volcanic eruption.

Most tourists are out of immediate danger, as the volcano site in Karangasem is some 75km from the hotspot of Kuta.

Locals too face an anxious wait to discover the fate of their homes and livelihoods after evacuating a 12km exclusion zone around Mount Agung.

Airline passengers took to social media to show their concerns about how long delays and cancellations may last.

Tourists scattered across the tiny island of just 5,700 square kilometres have been offered discounted hotel rooms as they contend with an unexpected extension to their stay.

Visas are also being extended, but some who had already left Bali with the hope of returning to renew their visa, are now stranded in nearby Singapore.

Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport has been closed since 7am on Monday as Mount Agung spewed volcanic ash 3km skywards.

An exclusion zone to protect those most at risk is being gradually extended, last recorded to be 12km from the volcano itself forcing more than 100,000 people to evacuate homes and businesses.

Head of the tourism office in Bali has urged low cost carriers to remove cancellation fees and rescheduling charges from those grounded, whilst those whose visa are due to expire are being offered a one-month extension.