BALI INT'L AIRPORT - NGURAH RAI - CLOSED AGAIN DUETO VOLCANIC ASH AGUNG MT

The Indonesian Government has closed Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport starting from 3:00 am local time on Friday, June 29, 2018 until 19:00 pm on Friday, June 29, 2018. The decision to close the airport was taken after careful consideration by national aviation authorities, the Center for Geological Disaster Mitigation and the Volcanic Ash Advisory Center. While the sun is shining and there is little sign of volcanic ash in the southern regions of Bali, evidence of volcanic ash at higher altitudes on aviation approach and departure paths has prompted the decision to close the airport. Authorities say the quality of the atmosphere over Bali as it affects aviation safety is under continuous review with a decision to be made on whether the current airport closure will continue beyond 19:00 pm on Friday Evening. Officials advise that people in south Bali - an area some 60-70 kilometres from the volcano - are in no direct threat from the volcano’s eruption. The “danger zone” is a small area with a radius of approximately 4 kilometers from Mount Agung’s crater. All tourist activities and trekking activities near Mount Agung have been suspended until further notice. Tourist visitors in Bali are reminded there is no reason to panic and are advised to stay in their hotels where the hotel management and the relevant government agencies will keep them fully informed on developments. Those who were scheduled to check out from their hotel on Friday should contact the hotel’s reception as most hotels are providing the best available commercial rate or one night complimentary for those needing to extend their stay. Hotel’s reception may also assist in contacting the relevant Airline companies local offices. Visitors with an urgent need to continue their journey might consider an overland journey by bus and ferry from Bali to Surabaya (approximately 12 hours) – the nearest international airport. Hotels and tour operators can assist in making such arrangements.