At least 59,000 travellers have been left stranded as a result of the closure with up to 3,000 British tourists reported to be among those affected, according to figures issued by the Bali Hotels Association.
More than 400 flights have so been cancelled due to the 24-hour shutdown of Ngurah Rai International airport, (also known as Denpasar international airport) on Monday morning local time.
The closure was later extended until Wednesday at 7am local time by the Indonesian transport ministry.
Up to 100,000 people have been ordered to evacuate the vicinity of the volcano as officials raised the alert to the highest level on Monday, fearing an imminent major eruption, BBC News reported.
The volcano is about 70km from the tourist areas of Kuta and Seminyak.
The Foreign Office (FCO) updated its travel advice yesterday (November 27) to warn against all travel to within 10kms of Mt Agung due to the ongoing volcanic activity.
“Volcanic activity may increase in the coming days,” the FCO warned. “If you’re elsewhere in East Bali, continue to follow the advice of the local authorities, monitor local media, keep up to date with our travel advice and be aware of the health risks of any significant ash fall, particularly if you have pre-existing respiratory conditions.”
In a statement, Abta maintained that there would only be a “relatively small number” of UK holidaymakers on the island at this time of year but insisted it was “closely monitoring the activity of volcano Mt Agung”.
“Volcanic ash clouds could continue to cause flight disruption and may result in further airport closures in the region.
“Anyone due to travel to the region imminently should check with their travel provider or airline to establish if their holiday or flight is affected,” the association said.
