Chile ash cloud creates chaos for Brisbane air travellers

We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later.

Advertisement

This was published 12 years ago

Chile ash cloud creates chaos for Brisbane air travellers

By Tony Moore
The plume of ash from Chile's Puyehue volcano which is causing major flight disruptions across the Pacific.

The plume of ash from Chile's Puyehue volcano which is causing major flight disruptions across the Pacific.Credit: Reuters

At least seven flights to and from Brisbane Airport have been cancelled due to a huge volcanic ash cloud blanketing Chile.

The cloud plume is also affecting flights to New Zealand’s southern island and Tasmania.

Brisbane Airport Corporation has confirmed that five international flights - two arrivals and three departures - and two local flights today have been cancelled.

Loading

More cancellations are expected, a BAC spokeswoman said.

Jetstar flight JQ 182 from Christchurch - due at 4.40pm - has been cancelled, as well as Air New Zealand flight NZ805 - due at 5.15pm.

Pacific Blue flight DJ075 - due at 6.20pm - has also been cancelled along with departures from Brisbane to Christchurch.

Jetstar flight JQ183 - due to leave Brisbane for Christchurch at 5.30pm; Air New Zealand flight NZ804 to Christchurch and Thai Airlines flight TG 4843 - both departing at 6.25pm - have been cancelled.

Two local flights - one flight arriving in Brisbane and another departing from Brisbane have been cancelled.

Advertisement

Tiger Airlines has announced that flights from Sydney to Brisbane and return (TT6105/6); and from Melbourne to Brisbane and return (TT5204/5) have been cancelled.

Tiger Airlines has also cancelled its return flight (TT5204/5) from Sunshine Coast to Sydney.

Brisbane Airport Corporation said further delays - now being confirmed by airlines - would depend on weather conditions.

‘‘Until the cloud clears there will probably be more cancellations,’’ the spokeswoman said.

‘‘We are really waiting to see what happens with the weather.’’

Tiger Airways is offering passengers affected by any cancelled services a range of options to minimise any inconvenience.

Ash from the Puyehue volcano in southern Chile forced airlines in South America to curtail flights last week with Qantas last night saying it had cancelled flights to and from New Zealand’s South Island.

Details on Brisbane flights are being updated on the Brisbane Airports Corporation website here.

Sign up for the Traveller newsletter

The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now.

Most viewed on Traveller

Loading