Ash cloud hits Australian airlines

30/06/2011

By Dominic Rees

A drifting plume of ash from a Chilean volcano has led to growing frustration among air passengers as flights were grounded at airports across Australia.

As the ash cloud moved into the country's airspace, aviation officials were forced to suspend all international and domestic flights.

Ash from the Cordon Caulle volcano, which had already stranded thousands of passengers when it drifted across Australian airspace last week, has also caused travel chaos across a number of countries in South America.

Services did get back on track when the ash cloud moved on last Friday, but after circling the globe it is now causing delays and cancellations again across Australia.

Among the airlines to announce that services have been affected are flagship carrier Qantas, its budget subsidiary Jetstar, and Virgin Australia. Cities where flights have been suspended include Adelaide, the capital Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne.