Bali airport reopens, but volcano still spewing ash

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According to an airport statement, Bali airport reopened on Wednesday, after the erupting volcano Mount Agung forced a nearly three-day closure which saw ash spread across the resort island.

"Bali's international airport started operating normally," air traffic control provider AirNav said in a statement.

But only part of the flights, including AirAisa and Singapore Airlines, have resumed Wednesday following the airport's reopening. Other airline companies are expected to restart their flights on Thursday.

The reopening also followed a downgrade in the authorities'aviation warning to "orange", which is one level below the most serious.

Although the airport has been reopened, the volcano remains dangerous, as Indonesian President Joko Widodo urged anyone within the mountain’s exclusion zone to get out “for the sake of their safety” and seek refuge in emergency centers.

He has also asked emergency services, the military and officials to assist evacuees and help stranded tourists get home.

“I hope there will be no victims hit by the eruption,” he said.

Source(s): AP ,Reuters