A significant volcanic eruption in Indonesia is raising concerns for Australian travellers, with warnings of potential flight disruptions and chaos in the coming hours.
Major Eruption and Immediate Impact
The Semeru volcano, located on Java's largest mountain, erupted on Wednesday. The event was powerful, sending a massive column of volcanic ash an estimated 5.5 kilometres into the sky. According to reports from Sunrise, this ash is now falling on villages in the vicinity of the volcano.
Official Aviation Warning Issued
In response to the eruption, the Bureau of Meteorology has taken decisive action by issuing a formal red aviation alert. This high-level warning signals to airlines that the airspace is currently, or is forecast to be, affected by significant volcanic ash. Such conditions pose a serious risk to aircraft safety.
Potential Consequences for Australian Travellers
The primary concern for Australians is the potential impact on air travel. While no flights to Denpasar International Airport in Bali have been cancelled at this stage, the situation is volatile. Travellers are being advised to brace for possible delays, diversions, or cancellations on routes in the region as authorities monitor the ash cloud's movement.
