Bali closes Ngurah Rai International Airport following volcanic eruption

Bali closed its Ngurah Rai International Airport following a volcanic eruption on the Indonesian resort island that sent thick smoke and ash billowing 2,000 metres into the air. 

Airport spokesperson Yanus Suprayogi said the airport was closed at 3 AM local time and possible extension of the airport closure would be reviewed at 7 PM today. 

The officials said the eruption of Mount Agung in eastern Bali



yesterday has triggered at least 48 flight cancellations including those operated by Malaysia-based Air Asia and Australia's JetStar. 

The disruption has affected more than 8,000 passengers. Despite the eruption the volcano's status has not been raised by Indonesia's volcanology agency and remained at alert level, while the Volcano Observatory Notice For Aviation has issued an orange level warning.