How the Mt Rinjani ash cloud is impacting travellers
The ash cloud from Mt Rinjani in Indonesia is causing flight delays and cancellations.
The Australian Government is once again urging Australian travellers to take caution as an ash cloud spews forth from Mt Rinjani on Lombok, Indonesia. This is the second major disruption this volcano has caused in the last 12 months. In November of 2015, thousands were delayed due to the cancellation of hundreds of flights in the region because of the dense ash cloud that lingered over the area into January. While some flights between Australia and Bali have been disrupted because of the ash cloud, the Ngruah Rai International Airport remains open. Jetstar, Qantas and Jetstar all experienced cancellations on Monday due to concerns about the ash cloud from Mt Rinjani on Lombok. Cancellations for Tuesday 2 August, 2016 are as follows:
| Airline | Cancellations | More info |
|---|---|---|
| Jetstar | Cancelled flights to Bali:
Cancelled flights from Bali:
| More info |
| Qantas | Cancelled flights from Bali:
| More info |
| Virgin | Flights under review:
| More info |
Volcanic ash clouds pose a serious concern for aircraft, which is why airlines are closely monitoring the situation in Bali. Should you be still planning on travelling to the area, you should consult your airline website for any further updates on delays and cancellations of flights to the area.
Are cancellations due to Mount Rinjani covered by travel insurance?
If you are travelling to or from Bali and you flight is disrupted by Mt Rinjani on Lombok, whether or not you're covered will depend on when you bought your policy. So far, only one travel insurance brand in Australia has issued an update in regards to the Bali ash cloud:
| Brand | Mount Rinjani cover cut-off date |
|---|---|
 | 1 August 2016. If you entered into a policy after 6pm (AEST) Monday 1 August 2016 Mt Rinjani volcanic ash cloud was a known ever. 1Cover won't pay any claim caused by or arising from or in any way connected with the Mt Rinjani volcanic ash cloud. |
 | 1 August 2016. Cover is not available for policies purchased after 9:15pm (AEST) on Monday, 1 August 2016, for claims arising from any volcanic activity, including any new ash cloud events, as such events are no longer unforeseen. |
| 1 August 2016. If you bought your policy after 7pm (AEST) Monday 1 August 2016 there is no cover for the Mt Rinjani volcanic ash cloud as it was a known event. | |
 | 1 August 2016. If you bought your policy after 7pm (AEST) Monday 1 August 2016 there is no cover for the Mt Rinjani volcanic ash cloud as it was a known event. |
 | 1 August 2016. If you bought your policy after 7pm (AEST) Monday 1 August 2016 there is no cover for the Mt Rinjani volcanic ash cloud as it was a known event. |
 | 1 August 2016. If you bought your policy after 7pm (AEST) Monday 1 August 2016 there is no cover for the Mt Rinjani volcanic ash cloud as it was a known event. |
 | 1 August 2016. If you bought your policy after 7pm (AEST) Monday 1 August 2016 there is no cover for the Mt Rinjani volcanic ash cloud as it was a known event. |
 | 1 August 2016. There is no cover for policies purchased after 9:15pm (AEST) on Monday, 1 August 2016, as the Mt Rinjani volcanic ash cloud events is no longer unforeseen. |
 | 1 August 2016. There is no cover for policies purchased after 9:15pm (AEST) on Monday, 1 August 2016, as the Mt Rinjani volcanic ash cloud events is no longer unforeseen. |
 | 1 August 2016. There is no cover for policies purchased after 9:15pm (AEST) on Monday, 1 August 2016, as the Mt Rinjani volcanic ash cloud events is no longer unforeseen. |
 | 2 August 2016. For policies purchased after 7:00am (AEST) on Tuesday, 2nd August 2016 you will not be covered under natural disaster for the Bali Ash Cloud in Mt Rinjani, as this is a foreseen event. |
 | 1 August 2016. There is no cover for policies purchased after 9:15pm (AEST) on Monday, 1 August 2016, as the Mt Rinjani volcanic ash cloud events is no longer unforeseen. |
Picture: Shutterstock
