Flights from Bali resume as ash clouds subside

Bali (Indonesia)

Holidaymakers stranded for days in Bali when a volcanic ash cloud forced the closure of the island's main airport began checking in for flights Saturday after Indonesian authorities reopened the terminal.

Ngurah Rai International Airport had been closed since late Thursday as Mount Raung on Java spewed clouds of ash into the sky, grounding hundreds of flights during peak tourist season on the resort island.

But the airport was reopened by Indonesia's transport ministry on Saturday after the ash cloud drifted southwest, clearing the skies for take off. Long lines quickly formed at the airport as passengers queued in the hope of their flights being rescheduled soon.

Trikora Harjo, the airport's general manager, said things were slowly returning to normal at the terminal, with passengers queueing up to check in and crews preparing planes for departures.

"It's a bit crowded, because of the cancellations," he said. "I think maybe after one day, or two days, things will become normal again."

Australian carrier Jetstar announced it would resume its Saturday flights between Bali and Perth, declaring it "safe to operate daylight services". National flag carrier Garuda also announced they were resuming domestic and international flights to and from the airport.