News Americas, MELBOURNE, Australia, Weds. June 22, 2011: Chile’s volcanic ash continues to disrupt travel.
Chilean volcano ash cloud drifted across the south of the country towards Australia, affecting travel at two major airports.
The ash cloud from Chile’s Puyehue-Cordon Caulle volcano is circling the Earth for a second time. The plume is said to be too low this time for airlines to fly under it. The ash cloud is reported to be hovering at between 20,000 and 40,000ft (6-13km).
Qantas and Virgin cancelled all flights into and out of Sydney and Melbourne. Adelaide airport has been shut and Canberra flights were facing up to 48 hours of disruption.
Last week, some airlines, such as Virgin Australia, flew below and around the ash cloud, but this time they have been advised against doing so.
Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology estimates Adelaide will be affected for 24 hours, Canberra and Sydney for around 36 to 48 hours, and Melbourne for 36 to 48 hours from Wednesday.
