INDONESIA Ministry of Transportation has updated its Notice to Airmen this morning to extend the closure of Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali; Lombok International Airport; Selaparang Airport, Lombok; and Blimbingsari Airport, Banyuwangi up to Friday, November 12, 2015 at 07.45.
This is the third day the airports are closed due to the eruption of Mt Rinjani on Lombok Island. The volcanic ashes are blown to the west, disrupting flights within the area and forcing the regulator to close the affected airport.
Julius Adravida Barata, spokesman at the Ministry of Transportation, said that between November 3, at 19.30 when the airports started to be closed, up to 08.45 this morning, a total of 692 domestic and international flights were cancelled.
Among these, Lion Group (Lion Air and Wings Air) had cancelled 84 flights, Citilink 24 flights, and Garuda Indonesia 209 flights.
In the meantime, Bali Hotels Association (BHA) representing more than 130 hotels in Bali has come up with initiatives to support stranded passengers and those who cannot arrive on the island due to the closure.
Jean-Charles Le Coz, BHA vice-chairman, said: “For passengers that need to extend their stay, BAR should be proposed when requests are made directly to the hotel. For bookings that are made through a third party, contracted rates apply.”
“For passengers that cannot come to Bali or will arrive later than original dates booked, BHA members are recommended to accept, at no charge, to re-book their stay (based on availability and rates during new requested period) until end of March 2016,” he added.
