04 Dec 2017 | 01:19 PM UTC
Indonesia: Near-normal flight schedules in Bali Dec. 4 /update 20
Near-normal flight schedules resume in Bali’s Denpasar International Airport as of December 4; eruption still possible
Event
Near-normal flight schedules have resumed in Bali as of Monday, December 4, with several airlines mounting relief flights since Denpasar-Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) reopened on Wednesday, November 29. Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs nonetheless advised their nationals to defer travel to Bali as the situation on Mount Agung remains unpredictable. Indonesia's National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB) has maintained the highest alert level for the volcano, although officials ensure most of Bali is safe for tourists. The exclusion zone around the volcano still extends 10 km (6.2 mi) from the crater. The chance of a violent eruption is still “very high” but likely not as high as several weeks ago due to pressure that has been released.
Context
Lombok International Airport (LOP) reopened on Friday, December 1. Indonesian authorities reduced its flight alert level from red - the highest level - to orange on Friday due to the change in wind direction.
At least 150,000 people have already been evacuated from the area. On November 30, Bali authorities extended the state of emergency through December 10, in anticipation of a major eruption of Mount Agung in the coming days.
Advice
Individuals present in affected areas are advised to monitor the situation and follow any instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders). Potentially impacted travelers are advised to confirm flight reservations.
