Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar resume Darwin flights

Update | Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar have resumed flights to and from Darwin, following yesterday's cancellation of top-end services after an ash cloud from the eruption of Indonesia's Sangeang Api volcano disrupted all flights on Saturday.

Previous | Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar have cancelled flights to and from Darwin due to a volcanic ash cloud drifting in from Indonesia.

Qantas and Virgin Australia have cancelled domestic flights to Darwin, while Jetstar has suspended both domestic and international services.

The eruption of the Sangeang Api volcano yesterday evening has sent a cloud of volcanic ash into the air, making it impossible for aircraft to safely fly in the affected area.

Darwin International Airport's Virginia Sanders isn't firm on when flights might resume, although hints that the disruption should be short-lived.

"At this stage it's speculation but the airlines are getting their information from the volcanic ash advisory centre in Darwin," she said.

"From what I can tell, as the ash moves it dissipates so it could be good news for tomorrow... going on past experience, this is usually (a) 24-hour type event."

Passengers travelling on airlines other than Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar are advised to contact their airline for up-to-date flight departure and arrival information.

Volcanic ash presents a serious danger to aircraft, with the effects first discovered on British Airways flight 9 from London to Auckland where all four engines stopped mid-flight.

For further information or to arrange alternate flights, call:

• Qantas Airways on 13 13 13 or on Twitter at @QantasAirways and @QFcustomercare
• Virgin Australia on 13 67 89 or @VirginAustralia
• Jetstar Australia on 13 15 38 or @JetstarAirways
• SilkAir on 13 10 11 or @SilkAir
• Air North on 1800 627 474 or airnorth.com.au

Follow Australian Business Traveller on Twitter: we're @AusBT

Chris C.

Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.