Rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are creating ripple effects across global industries. The disruption of shipping routes has tightened supplies of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), a critical fuel used to keep high-temperature furnaces running in the glass manufacturing sector. Industry leaders warn that prolonged instability in this key maritime chokepoint could disrupt supply chains, increase production costs and slow manufacturing output worldwide.

Hormuz Crisis: Glass Industry Struggles as LPG Supply Tightens

The Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most critical trade chokepoint, is at the Centre of the economic fallout from the ongoing U.S-Israel conflict with Iran. Nearly 20 million barrels of oil pass through this narrow waterway every day, accounting for roughly one-fifth of global oil consumption.

Hormuz Disruptions:  Strait of Hormuz Crisis Sparks Worldwide Oil and Trade Turmoil

Commercial flights are routinely facing&nbsp;"jamming" or "spoofing" in the airspace around the Baltic Sea, as indicated by a recent report by Newsweek. Over the last couple of days, around 1,614 flights encountered consistent interference with national GPS signals.

The report is based on open-source analysis from an X account that keeps track of GPS interference.&nbsp;A map provided by this source indicated widespread disruptions over Poland and southern Sweden, although a subsequent update suggested that the interference became primarily concentrated in northern Poland.

Interfering with both GPS and broader Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) signals could potentially lead to confusion for both manned and unmanned aircraft, as their navigation systems might perceive inaccurate locations.

The increase in disruptions was attributed to jamming activities originating from Russia's Kaliningrad region, positioned between Poland and Lithuania and serving as a strategic location for one of Russia's major naval fleets.

According to an unnamed Lithuanian defence official interviewed by Newsweek, Russia is implicated in the matter. The official stated, "The Russian armed forces possess a diverse range of military equipment specifically designed for interfering with GNSS, encompassing jamming and spoofing, with varying distances, durations, and intensities."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-tests-its-air-defence-amid-repeated-cross-strait-violations-by-china-704386">Also read |&nbsp;Taiwan tests its air defence amid repeated cross-strait violations by China</a>

<h2>A recurrent problem</h2>

Earlier this month, a pilot informed The Telegraph that the problem has become "more widespread" in airspace and areas where military operations or border tensions are on the rise.

"Every flight I operate across northern Turkey and into Iraq - essentially along the Russian and Iranian borders - now has GPS interference. Aircraft systems alert us when something isn't working. We often get numerous alerts in the space of a couple of hours. It's been like that for around a year now," the unnamed pilot said.

"The GPS interference spoofs the aircraft into not knowing its location. Thankfully, we have other systems to mitigate this issue," he added.

The pilot also noted that this issue could diminish some of the pilot's visual situational awareness.

"It's crucial to be aware of what's beneath us in the event of a rapid depressurization, which although rare, is a possible occurrence," stated the pilot, noting that airlines have adapted to this changing environment.

Also watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Russia stages major airstrike on Ukraine; one missile enters Polish airspace

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Furthermore, The Telegraph report indicated that certain commercial airlines have circulated memos to their staff, acknowledging that the problem was "particularly prevalent" over Ankara in Turkey and Baghdad in Iraq. Additionally, it was described as becoming "more widespread" over the eastern Mediterranean, as well as across Cairo in Egypt and Amman in Jordan.

(With inputs from agencies)

Commercial flights are routinely facing "jamming" or "spoofing" in the airspace around the Baltic Sea, as indicated by a recent report by Newsweek. Over the last couple of days, around 1,614 flights encountered consistent interference with national GPS signals.

Commercial flights are routinely facing "jamming" or "spoofing" in the airspace around the Baltic Sea, as indicated by a recent report by Newsweek. Over the last couple of days, around 1,614 flights encountered consistent interference with national GPS signals. The report is based on open-source analysis from an X account that keeps track of GPS interference. A map provided by this source indicated widespread disruptions over Poland and southern Sweden, although a subsequent update suggested that the interference became primarily concentrated in northern Poland. Interfering with both GPS and broader Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) signals could potentially lead to confusion for both manned and unmanned aircraft, as their navigation systems might perceive inaccurate locations. The increase in disruptions was attributed to jamming activities originating from Russia's Kaliningrad region, positioned between Poland and Lithuania and serving as a strategic location for one of Russia's major naval fleets. According to an unnamed Lithuanian defence official interviewed by Newsweek, Russia is implicated in the matter. The official stated, "The Russian armed forces possess a diverse range of military equipment specifically designed for interfering with GNSS, encompassing jamming and spoofing, with varying distances, durations, and intensities." Also read | Taiwan tests its air defence amid repeated cross-strait violations by China A recurrent problem Earlier this month, a pilot informed The Telegraph that the problem has become "more widespread" in airspace and areas where military operations or border tensions are on the rise. "Every flight I operate across northern Turkey and into Iraq - essentially along the Russian and Iranian borders - now has GPS interference. Aircraft systems alert us when something isn't working. We often get numerous alerts in the space of a couple of hours. It's been like that for around a year now," the unnamed pilot said. "The GPS interference spoofs the aircraft into not knowing its location. Thankfully, we have other systems to mitigate this issue," he added. The pilot also noted that this issue could diminish some of the pilot's visual situational awareness. "It's crucial to be aware of what's beneath us in the event of a rapid depressurization, which although rare, is a possible occurrence," stated the pilot, noting that airlines have adapted to this changing environment. Also watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Russia stages major airstrike on Ukraine; one missile enters Polish airspace Furthermore, The Telegraph report indicated that certain commercial airlines have circulated memos to their staff, acknowledging that the problem was "particularly prevalent" over Ankara in Turkey and Baghdad in Iraq. Additionally, it was described as becoming "more widespread" over the eastern Mediterranean, as well as across Cairo in Egypt and Amman in Jordan. (With inputs from agencies)

GPS jamming, spoofing plague commercial aircraft across Europe, report says

Ver.di, the union representing Lufthansa's ground staff, has gone on a one-day strike on Wednesday (Feb 6), in a bid for higher wages. The strike which&nbsp;started at 4 am, is expected to last 27 hours, and will affect airports in Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, Berlin, and Düsseldorf.

Ver.di is demanding a significant pay increase of 12.5 per cent&nbsp;or a minimum of $538 per month for nearly 25,000 Lufthansa employees, including those involved in check-in, aircraft handling, maintenance, and freight services.

Lufthansa has expressed disappointment with the scale of the strike action, stating that it is already developing contingency plans to minimise disruption for travellers. The airline is preparing a special timetable to manage the impact of the strike.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/lufthansas-9-bn-aircraft-bonanza-german-airline-orders-80-planes-from-boeing-and-airbus-671629">Also read |&nbsp;Lufthansa's $9 bn aircraft bonanza: German airline orders 80 planes from Boeing and Airbus</a>

<h2>Series of travel strikes</h2>

The strike comes amid a wave of labour disputes in Germany's transportation sector. Ver.di recently organised strikes involving security workers at major airports, leading to widespread flight cancellations. Similar actions affected local transport services, including buses, trams, and subways.

The German railway system is also embroiled in negotiations, particularly concerning demands for a shorter workweek from the train drivers' union. After a recent five-day strike, the union has agreed to resume talks with Deutsche Bahn, the state-owned railway operator, until March 3.

Also watch |&nbsp;Lufthansa's ground staff to strike

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Lufthansa anticipates significant disruptions to its flight schedule on February 7 and 8 due to the strike. Passengers booked on affected flights will receive notifications via email or the Lufthansa app regarding cancellations and rebooking options. Travellers are advised to stay updated on any developments.

In the event of flight cancellations, Lufthansa typically offers affected passengers the option to convert their tickets into Deutsche Bahn train tickets at no additional cost. Travellers are encouraged to check for updates and make suitable arrangements accordingly.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ver.di, the union representing Lufthansa's ground staff, has gone on a one-day strike on Wednesday (Feb 6), in a bid for higher wages. The strike which started at 4 am, is expected to last 27 hours, and will affect airports in Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, Berlin, and Düsseldorf.

Ver.di, the union representing Lufthansa's ground staff, has gone on a one-day strike on Wednesday (Feb 6), in a bid for higher wages. The strike which started at 4 am, is expected to last 27 hours, and will affect airports in Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, Berlin, and Düsseldorf. Ver.di is demanding a significant pay increase of 12.5 per cent or a minimum of $538 per month for nearly 25,000 Lufthansa employees, including those involved in check-in, aircraft handling, maintenance, and freight services. Lufthansa has expressed disappointment with the scale of the strike action, stating that it is already developing contingency plans to minimise disruption for travellers. The airline is preparing a special timetable to manage the impact of the strike. Also read | Lufthansa's $9 bn aircraft bonanza: German airline orders 80 planes from Boeing and Airbus Series of travel strikes The strike comes amid a wave of labour disputes in Germany's transportation sector. Ver.di recently organised strikes involving security workers at major airports, leading to widespread flight cancellations. Similar actions affected local transport services, including buses, trams, and subways. The German railway system is also embroiled in negotiations, particularly concerning demands for a shorter workweek from the train drivers' union. After a recent five-day strike, the union has agreed to resume talks with Deutsche Bahn, the state-owned railway operator, until March 3. Also watch | Lufthansa's ground staff to strike Lufthansa anticipates significant disruptions to its flight schedule on February 7 and 8 due to the strike. Passengers booked on affected flights will receive notifications via email or the Lufthansa app regarding cancellations and rebooking options. Travellers are advised to stay updated on any developments. In the event of flight cancellations, Lufthansa typically offers affected passengers the option to convert their tickets into Deutsche Bahn train tickets at no additional cost. Travellers are encouraged to check for updates and make suitable arrangements accordingly. (With inputs from agencies)

Lufthansa ground staff strike hits air travel, to impact over 100,000 passengers

In a bid to manage its rapidly increasing&nbsp;population of more than 100 hippos, Colombia has taken on a multi-pronged approach that includes surgical sterilisation, the potential relocation of hippos to other nations, and, as a last resort, euthanasia.

The hippos are descendants of animals illicitly introduced to the country by the late drug lord Pablo Escobar in the 1980s. Following Escobar's death in 1993, these so-called "cocaine hippos" have roamed freely, posing significant challenges for environmental authorities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombian-opposition-politicians-defeat-petros-coalition-in-local-regional-elections-652862">Also read | Colombian opposition politicians defeat Petro's coalition in local, regional elections</a>

<h2>What is the real concern?</h2>

The hippos, originating from Escobar's estate, have expanded into nearby rivers where they have thrived without natural predators.

This has led to their classification as an invasive species capable of disrupting the local ecosystem.

The Colombian authorities estimate there are 169 hippos in the country, particularly in the Magdalena River basin, with projections indicating a potential population of 1,000 by 2035 if no action is taken.

The initial step of the plan involves the surgical sterilisation of 40 hippos annually, commencing the following week. However, this procedure is both costly, at approximately $9,800 per sterilisation, and presents risks for both the hippos, including allergic reactions to anesthesia or death, and the animal health personnel.

Hippos are dispersed across a vast area, are territorial, and often exhibit aggressive behaviour.

Experts are of the opinion that sterilisation alone will not suffice in controlling the growth of the invasive species. Therefore, the Colombian government is exploring the possibility of relocating hippos to other nations, a plan proposed earlier in the year.

However, the cost of deporting the hippos is estimated at $3.5 million, reported CBS News. Colombian officials have engaged with authorities in Mexico, India, and the Philippines, with the evaluation of sending 60 hippos to India. The ministry underscores the need for authorisation from the recipient country's environmental authority for any such export.

As a last resort to manage the population, the ministry is developing a protocol for euthanasia.

The unchecked population growth of hippos in Colombia has already had several consequences, including altering the composition of rivers and threatening the habitat of local wildlife such as manatees, otters, and turtles. The hippos' faeces are a significant contributing factor to this environmental disruption, potentially poisoning the rivers.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a bid to manage its rapidly increasing population of more than 100 hippos, Colombia has taken on a multi-pronged approach that includes surgical sterilisation, the potential relocation of hippos to other nations, and, as a last resort, euthanasia.

In a bid to manage its rapidly increasing population of more than 100 hippos, Colombia has taken on a multi-pronged approach that includes surgical sterilisation, the potential relocation of hippos to other nations, and, as a last resort, euthanasia. The hippos are descendants of animals illicitly introduced to the country by the late drug lord Pablo Escobar in the 1980s. Following Escobar's death in 1993, these so-called "cocaine hippos" have roamed freely, posing significant challenges for environmental authorities. Also read | Colombian opposition politicians defeat Petro's coalition in local, regional elections What is the real concern? The hippos, originating from Escobar's estate, have expanded into nearby rivers where they have thrived without natural predators. This has led to their classification as an invasive species capable of disrupting the local ecosystem. The Colombian authorities estimate there are 169 hippos in the country, particularly in the Magdalena River basin, with projections indicating a potential population of 1,000 by 2035 if no action is taken. The initial step of the plan involves the surgical sterilisation of 40 hippos annually, commencing the following week. However, this procedure is both costly, at approximately $9,800 per sterilisation, and presents risks for both the hippos, including allergic reactions to anesthesia or death, and the animal health personnel. Hippos are dispersed across a vast area, are territorial, and often exhibit aggressive behaviour. Experts are of the opinion that sterilisation alone will not suffice in controlling the growth of the invasive species. Therefore, the Colombian government is exploring the possibility of relocating hippos to other nations, a plan proposed earlier in the year. However, the cost of deporting the hippos is estimated at $3.5 million, reported CBS News. Colombian officials have engaged with authorities in Mexico, India, and the Philippines, with the evaluation of sending 60 hippos to India. The ministry underscores the need for authorisation from the recipient country's environmental authority for any such export. As a last resort to manage the population, the ministry is developing a protocol for euthanasia. The unchecked population growth of hippos in Colombia has already had several consequences, including altering the composition of rivers and threatening the habitat of local wildlife such as manatees, otters, and turtles. The hippos' faeces are a significant contributing factor to this environmental disruption, potentially poisoning the rivers. (With inputs from agencies)

Can sterilisation, deportation, and euthanasia solve Colombia's hippo crisis?

Rail passengers across the United Kingdom are likely to face further disruption this week as another wave of strikes is being planned by train drivers union Aslef and Tube workers union Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT).

The walkout of this week was timed by members of Aslef to cause disruption in the Conservative Party Conference. On the days of the strike, the unions will force 16 train operating companies to cancel all services.

Meanwhile, a ban on overtime on the days of non-strike by Aslef will further disrupt the network. So far, the union has called 13 one-day strikes amid its ongoing 16-month dispute over pay.

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Speaking to The Telegraph, Aslef General Secretary Mick Whelan stated, “While we regret having to take this action – we don’t want to lose a day’s pay, or disrupt passengers, as they try to travel by train – the government, and the employers, have forced us into this position.”

“Our members have not, now, had a pay rise for four years – since 2019 – and that’s not right when prices have soared in that time. Train drivers, perfectly reasonably, want to be able to buy now what they could buy four years ago,” he added.

<h2>Fresh strikes by London Underground workers</h2>

Meanwhile, fresh strikes were announced by London Underground workers in a dispute over working conditions and job cuts.

“Station staff have had enough of having their livelihoods threatened by job losses and attacks on their terms and conditions,” said union’s General Secretary Mick Lynch, as reported by The Telegraph.

“Station staff have a vital role to play assisting vulnerable passengers access the network safely and ensuring that the Tube is a safe environment for passengers. These job cuts and attacks on conditions are going to lead to more unstaffed stations, temporary closures and rising passenger anger,” he added.

WATCH |&nbsp;Glasgow: Two Khalistani extremists Shamsher Singh and Ranveer Singh from London named

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“TfL has had its budgets slashed but the savings made by these station staff cuts will be negatable and will lead to shortages that are unacceptable. This strike action will lead to the Tube being shut down and we call on Mayor Sadiq Khan to meet us urgently to discuss this matter,” he further stated.

The passengers of the National Rail were asked to expect “significant disruption” on strike days. It is also likely that the services will remain disrupted and start on the day immediately after.

The government has been criticised by the union for not being able to meet its negotiating team - Assistant General Secretary Simon Weller, General Secretary Mick Whelan, and Executive Committee president Dave Calfe.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Rail passengers across the United Kingdom are likely to face further disruption this week as another wave of strikes is being planned by train drivers union Aslef and Tube workers union Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT).

Rail passengers across the United Kingdom are likely to face further disruption this week as another wave of strikes is being planned by train drivers union Aslef and Tube workers union Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT). The walkout of this week was timed by members of Aslef to cause disruption in the Conservative Party Conference. On the days of the strike, the unions will force 16 train operating companies to cancel all services. Meanwhile, a ban on overtime on the days of non-strike by Aslef will further disrupt the network. So far, the union has called 13 one-day strikes amid its ongoing 16-month dispute over pay. ALSO READ | After 400 years, baby beaver takes birth in London, gets photographed Speaking to The Telegraph, Aslef General Secretary Mick Whelan stated, “While we regret having to take this action – we don’t want to lose a day’s pay, or disrupt passengers, as they try to travel by train – the government, and the employers, have forced us into this position.” “Our members have not, now, had a pay rise for four years – since 2019 – and that’s not right when prices have soared in that time. Train drivers, perfectly reasonably, want to be able to buy now what they could buy four years ago,” he added. Fresh strikes by London Underground workers Meanwhile, fresh strikes were announced by London Underground workers in a dispute over working conditions and job cuts. “Station staff have had enough of having their livelihoods threatened by job losses and attacks on their terms and conditions,” said union’s General Secretary Mick Lynch, as reported by The Telegraph. “Station staff have a vital role to play assisting vulnerable passengers access the network safely and ensuring that the Tube is a safe environment for passengers. These job cuts and attacks on conditions are going to lead to more unstaffed stations, temporary closures and rising passenger anger,” he added. WATCH | Glasgow: Two Khalistani extremists Shamsher Singh and Ranveer Singh from London named “TfL has had its budgets slashed but the savings made by these station staff cuts will be negatable and will lead to shortages that are unacceptable. This strike action will lead to the Tube being shut down and we call on Mayor Sadiq Khan to meet us urgently to discuss this matter,” he further stated. The passengers of the National Rail were asked to expect “significant disruption” on strike days. It is also likely that the services will remain disrupted and start on the day immediately after. The government has been criticised by the union for not being able to meet its negotiating team - Assistant General Secretary Simon Weller, General Secretary Mick Whelan, and Executive Committee president Dave Calfe. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Tube strikes: London’s RMT union plans October walkouts, rail passengers face fresh disruption

The railway passengers, who were travelling ahead of Christmas, on routes which connect Belgium to the Netherlands, Britain, France and Germany, faced delays on Saturday as the international trains faced disruption due to ice on power lines.&nbsp;

Infrabel, which is responsible for the management of Belgian rail infrastructure, said that they had halted two train services - a French TGV and an international Thalys – mid-route.&nbsp;

Two hours later, the services were restarted as platforms of Brussels' Midi Station saw huge crowds swelling up. However, the officials had warned the passengers that they may face knock-on delays throughout the day.

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Along with the Thalys route, which connects Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels, the Eurostar service which runs from Brussels to London was also disrupted and one train was at least cancelled during the day.

"Traffic has restarted, but there will be multiple delays throughout the day on international services," a spokesperson of Infrabel said.

The rail company said that two trains of Thalys connecting Amsterdam to Paris via Brussels were cancelled. The passengers will also have to face long delays on railway service connecting to Schiphol airport and the German town of Dusseldorf. '

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One of the passengers, who had made a booking on a Eurostar train to travel from Brussels to London, said that he was informed about the train's cancellation and was given a chance to either get a refund or rebook his travel.

"We have a plan for winter, including infrastructure inspections and de-icing measures, but there's no such thing as zero risk," the spokesperson of Infrabel said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The railway passengers, who were travelling ahead of Christmas, on routes which connect Belgium to the Netherlands, Britain, France and Germany, faced delays on Saturday as the international trains faced disruption due to ice on power lines.

The railway passengers, who were travelling ahead of Christmas, on routes which connect Belgium to the Netherlands, Britain, France and Germany, faced delays on Saturday as the international trains faced disruption due to ice on power lines. Infrabel, which is responsible for the management of Belgian rail infrastructure, said that they had halted two train services - a French TGV and an international Thalys – mid-route. Two hours later, the services were restarted as platforms of Brussels' Midi Station saw huge crowds swelling up. However, the officials had warned the passengers that they may face knock-on delays throughout the day. ALSO READ| Christmas 2022: Best destinations to celebrate Xmas this year Along with the Thalys route, which connects Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels, the Eurostar service which runs from Brussels to London was also disrupted and one train was at least cancelled during the day. "Traffic has restarted, but there will be multiple delays throughout the day on international services," a spokesperson of Infrabel said. The rail company said that two trains of Thalys connecting Amsterdam to Paris via Brussels were cancelled. The passengers will also have to face long delays on railway service connecting to Schiphol airport and the German town of Dusseldorf. ' WATCH| WION Climate Tracker: Belgium to impose tax on private jets, short-haul flights One of the passengers, who had made a booking on a Eurostar train to travel from Brussels to London, said that he was informed about the train's cancellation and was given a chance to either get a refund or rebook his travel. "We have a plan for winter, including infrastructure inspections and de-icing measures, but there's no such thing as zero risk," the spokesperson of Infrabel said. (With inputs from agencies)

Belgian winter's snowfall disrupts international trains

The fourth of July holiday travel plans have taken a hit in the US as flight disruption worsens. Staff shortages are plaguing carriers. 600 flights were cancelled on July 2.

U.S. flight disruption worsens as staff shortages plague carriers

A volcano on the Indonesian tourist island of Bali sent plumes of grey smoke and steam thousands of metres into the air on Sunday for the third day&nbsp;in a week, triggering flight cancellations which have left thousands of tourists stranded, officials said Sunday.

Mount Agung spewed smoke and ash as high as 4,000 metres (13,123 feet) Sunday morning, causing at least 28 departing or arriving flights to be delayed or cancelled, said a spokesman for Bali&#39;s airport.

Indonesia&#39;s volcanology centre has put out a red alert warning airlines of a possible eruption, with a likely significant emission of ash into the atmosphere. But as of Sunday afternoon Bali&#39;s Ngurah Rai airport was still open.

The decision to delay or divert flight was up to individual airlines, said airport spokesman Arie Ahsanurrohim.

&quot;We try to make the airport as comfortable as possible for the passengers affected. So far we have provided special rooms for them to unpack their luggage and video entertainment so they can relax a bit,&quot; Ahsanurrohim told AFP.

At least 2,000 passengers are affected by the flight disruption, mostly tourists from Australia.

&quot;I am meant to be at work tomorrow. How am I going to pay my bills?&quot; said Sydney-based tourist Jake Vidler.

Several domestic flights have also been cancelled such as to the nearby island of Lombok, also a popular tourist destination east of Bali. The wind has blown Mount Agung&#39;s ash in that direction.

&quot;I&#39;ve received a refund from my airline. Now I&#39;m trying to go to Lombok by boat, hopefully the harbour is open,&quot; said Ismono, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mount Agung last erupted in 1963, killing nearly 1,600 people.

It rumbled back to life in September and authorities raise the alert to the highest level, forcing 140,000 people living nearby to evacuate.

The volcano&#39;s activity decreased in late October and many people returned to their home as the alert was lowered to the second-highest level.

But Mount Agung rumbled again last Tuesday, forcing 25,000 people to seek shelter. Authorities urged people living within 7.5 kilometres (4.5 miles) of the mountain to evacuate.

The mountain spewed smoke and ash on Saturday for the second time in a week in what volcanologists call a phreatic eruption&nbsp;- one which is caused by the heating and expansion of groundwater.

&nbsp;

Mount Agung spewed smoke and ash as high as 4,000 metres Sunday morning, causing at least 28 departing or arriving flights to be delayed or cancelled

A volcano on the Indonesian tourist island of Bali sent plumes of grey smoke and steam thousands of metres into the air on Sunday for the third day in a week, triggering flight cancellations which have left thousands of tourists stranded, officials said Sunday. Mount Agung spewed smoke and ash as high as 4,000 metres (13,123 feet) Sunday morning, causing at least 28 departing or arriving flights to be delayed or cancelled, said a spokesman for Bali's airport. Indonesia's volcanology centre has put out a red alert warning airlines of a possible eruption, with a likely significant emission of ash into the atmosphere. But as of Sunday afternoon Bali's Ngurah Rai airport was still open. The decision to delay or divert flight was up to individual airlines, said airport spokesman Arie Ahsanurrohim. "We try to make the airport as comfortable as possible for the passengers affected. So far we have provided special rooms for them to unpack their luggage and video entertainment so they can relax a bit," Ahsanurrohim told AFP. At least 2,000 passengers are affected by the flight disruption, mostly tourists from Australia. "I am meant to be at work tomorrow. How am I going to pay my bills?" said Sydney-based tourist Jake Vidler. Several domestic flights have also been cancelled such as to the nearby island of Lombok, also a popular tourist destination east of Bali. The wind has blown Mount Agung's ash in that direction. "I've received a refund from my airline. Now I'm trying to go to Lombok by boat, hopefully the harbour is open," said Ismono, who like many Indonesians goes by one name. Mount Agung last erupted in 1963, killing nearly 1,600 people. It rumbled back to life in September and authorities raise the alert to the highest level, forcing 140,000 people living nearby to evacuate. The volcano's activity decreased in late October and many people returned to their home as the alert was lowered to the second-highest level. But Mount Agung rumbled again last Tuesday, forcing 25,000 people to seek shelter. Authorities urged people living within 7.5 kilometres (4.5 miles) of the mountain to evacuate. The mountain spewed smoke and ash on Saturday for the second time in a week in what volcanologists call a phreatic eruption - one which is caused by the heating and expansion of groundwater.

Dozens of flights cancelled or delayed as Bali volcano spews smoke

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