Volcanic ash hits australia flights

14/06/2011

By Helen James

A cloud of ash from a volcano in Chile has disrupted flights for thousands of passengers in New Zealand and Australia.

The cloud of fine grit is drifting from southern Chile over the Antipodean countries, posing a threat to the engines of planes and leading carriers to suspend flights.

Qantas Airways, Australia's national airline, has grounded all flights due to land or take off from Melbourne in the south-east of the country. It has also axed 22 flights from or to New Zealand and the island of Tazmania, which is an Australian state.

Eight Quantas flights due to operate within the South Island of New Zealand have also fallen victim to the Cordon Caulle volcano, while Virgin Australia has axed 34 domestic trips and one international flight from Melbourne.

Qantas said about 8,000 people will be hit by its cancelled flights. Virgin's Sean Donohue said: "We have been closely monitoring the situation all day. Safety is always our number one priority."

Australian budget carrier Jetstar said it had cancelled domestic flights to New Zealand's South Island airports. National carrier Air New Zealand has not cancelled or delayed any flights but adjusted flight routes and altitudes to ensure aircraft remain clear of any ash, company spokeswoman Tracy Mills said.