· Bali, Denpasar · Weather
Bali volcanic ash: what to do if your flight is cancelled
Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Qantas have cancelled evening flights into Bali due to volcanic ash plumes from Mount Lewotobi. Travellers should check carrier apps for complimentary rebooking and request airline meal/hotel vouchers before leaving the airport.
- Where
- Bali, Denpasar
- Status
- Major disruption
- Author
- Caleb CReported 9:00 am AEDT
What Happened on the Ground
Shifting seasonal wind trajectories have pushed high-altitude volcanic ash plumes from Mount Lewotobi across eastern Indonesia directly into flight corridors approaching Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). Volcanic ash poses severe hazards to commercial jet turbines, prompting immediate safety cancellations across Australian carriers.
Flights between Bali and Australian gateways (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth) have been suspended or turned around mid-flight. Terminal departure halls in Denpasar are experiencing significant passenger backlogs.
- Airlines impacted: Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Qantas scheduled services.
- Carrier waivers: Airlines have activated waiver policies allowing passengers to rebook onto alternative flights over the coming days without change fees.
Airline Passenger Rights & Duty of Care
During major weather and natural peril disruptions, operating carriers maintain a duty of care to their ticketed passengers:
- Free re-accommodation: Airlines must rebook you onto the next available service or offer travel credits/vouchers without penalty.
- Overnight assistance: If your flight is postponed until the following day, request hotel and meal vouchers directly at the customer care counter before paying out of pocket.
- Avoid unapproved third-party purchases: If you book flights on a separate airline independently without carrier sign-off, you may forfeit refund rights from your original carrier.
Practical Travel Advice & What to Do Right Now
- Check live departure boards on your carrier's app: Confirm your flight status digitally before heading to the airport to avoid long terminal queues.
- Obtain official written delay documentation: Request an official written flight disruption notice or digital cancellation slip from your operating airline.
- Keep itemised tax receipts: Store all itemised receipts for emergency meals, bottled water, and necessary local accommodation.
Common questions
What should I do first if my flight is cancelled in Bali?
Check your operating airline's app or mobile website first. Most carriers automatically assign a replacement flight or provide a self-service rebooking tool where you can choose a new flight date without queueing at the counter.
Will the airline pay for emergency meals and accommodation?
When cancellations result in overnight stranding, carriers generally provide hotel vouchers and meal allowances. Always approach customer service desks at the airport to secure these vouchers directly.
Can I book another airline and get refunded?
Do not book alternative tickets on another carrier on your own initiative without written agreement from your original airline, as carriers generally only cover itineraries they arrange or endorse.
General information only, not personal financial advice. Cover differs between insurers. Always read your policy’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and check Smartraveller before you travel.