Beyond the ash cloud

Better late than sorry

The Mount Raung ash cloud has cast a dark and threatening presence over Indonesia. Air services to and from Bali have been suspended and the travel plans of thousands have been thrown into disarray. It is not the first time that a volcanic eruption has played havoc with the airways and it will most definitely not be the last. Fortunately, the industry is more aware of the dangers than once was the case.

When one associates aviation with volcanic ash, the mind immediately races to the plight of ‘Speedbird 9’ in the skies to the south-east of Jakarta.