Volcanic ash grounds flights in Australia

Ash plumes billowing from an Indonesian volcano have cut off all air services to Darwin city in Australia's Northern Territory and grounded flights to Bali, a popular tourist destination in Indonesia, the media reported Saturday.

The Sangeang Api volcano off the Indonesian island of Sumbawa has been erupting after an initial blast Friday afternoon, Skynews Australia quoted the Bureau of Meteorology's Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre in Darwin as saying.

Darwin International Airport was closed to all inbound and outbound flights Saturday, and Bali's airspace has also been affected.

The air services to Darwin are expected to resume Sunday.

Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss said it may be days before flights in northern Australia return to normal.

"Depending on wind and other weather conditions, the ash has the potential to affect flights to and from other airports, including Brisbane, during coming days. This is currently being fully assessed," he said.

Authorities said the volcanic ash can affect all aircraft with piston or jet engines at all flight levels.