Virgin Australia cancels flights to and from Bali due to volcanic ash

Virgin Australia cancelled all flights in and out of Bali, Indonesia, on Wednesday as volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Lewotobi made flying unsafe, the carrier said.

Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted at least three times last Saturday, discharging a volcanic ash column that was 9 km (5.6 miles) high.

"Due to the presence of volcanic ash, it is currently unsafe to operate flights to and from Denpasar," Virgin Australia said in a statement on Wednesday.

As many as 15 flights between Australian cities and Bali have been affected, the airline said.