Several flights between S'pore, Bali cancelled after volcanic eruption

Several flights between Singapore and Bali were cancelled after a volcanic eruption in nearby Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki created a dangerous 10km ash cloud.

- Christie Chiu and Elaine Lee

In response to queries from The Straits Times, a Singapore Airlines (SIA) spokesperson said two flights operating between Singapore and Bali on Nov 12 and 13 were cancelled due to the eruption.

The spokesperson added that the airline is helping affected customers rebook alternative flights and will continue to monitor the situation, adjusting flights accordingly.

The volcano, located in East Nusa Tenggara province about 500km from Bali, erupted at least three times on Nov 9 as the authorities made plans to widen the restricted area, officials previously said.

An earlier eruption on Nov 3 killed nine people and forced more than 15,000 residents from villages close to the crater to evacuate as more eruptions ensued.

According to AFP news agency, volcanic eruptions can pose serious risks to flights, disgorging fine ash that can damage jet engines and scour a plane's windscreen to the point of invisibility.