Wed Nov 20 00:30:00 UTC 2024: **Bali Flights Cancelled After Indonesian Volcano Erupts**
DENPASAR, Indonesia (November 20, 2024) — At least three airlines have cancelled flights between Australia and Bali this week due to a volcanic eruption in eastern Indonesia. The eruption sent a large plume of volcanic ash into the atmosphere, creating unsafe conditions for air travel.
According to Emeritus Professor of Aviation Patrick Murray of the University of Southern Queensland, volcanic ash poses several serious risks to aircraft. The abrasive particles can damage windscreens, clog sensors, and infiltrate ventilation systems, impacting air quality and potentially causing respiratory problems. The most significant danger, however, is the effect on jet engines. Ash particles melt in the high temperatures of the engine, causing airflow disruption that can lead to engine failure, as demonstrated by a 1982 incident involving a British Airways 747.
Airlines make the decision to cancel flights based on real-time risk assessments, considering factors like the size and trajectory of the ash plume, wind patterns at varying altitudes, and the likelihood of further eruptions. International organizations, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), work with meteorological agencies to disseminate information about volcanic ash hazards to aviation authorities worldwide.
While the cancellations are disruptive to travelers’ plans, Professor Murray emphasizes that passenger safety is paramount. Flights will resume only when the ash has cleared and the risk of further eruptions is minimal. The decision-making process, he explains, is governed by strict safety protocols and risk management procedures mandated by authorities like Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
First Piper 