Most airlines are for now offering various options to minimise the short-term impact, preparing customers to expect scheduled disruptions until at least December 4. Png said each day that the Bali airport was closed meant about $5 million in combined lost flight revenue for the 42 airlines that fly there. “This comes at a bad time for the airlines as we are in peak travel season right now and the Bali route is highly lucrative,” she said. But on those occasions, the volcano spewing ash was on a neighbouring island rather than Bali itself, making this a more serious threat to tourism. Airlines avoid flying with volcanic ash in the air because it can cause significant damage to aircraft engines, clogging fuel and cooling systems, hampering pilot visibility and even causing engine failure.

Source: Indian Express November 28, 2017 08:03 UTC