Indonesia’s aviation authority closed the airport on the resort island of Bali again today, after increased volcanic activity of Mount Raung in the neighbouring province of East Java.

The airport was expected to remain closed until at least 6am Thursday (2200 GMT Wednesday), state-owned airport operator Angkasa Pura announced on Twitter.

Flag carrier Garuda Indonesia said it had cancelled all flights to and from Bali and two other smaller East Java towns of Jember and Banyuwangi.

The most recent airport closures have come as holidaymakers have been travelling back to big cities in the country after spending the week-long Aidilfitri holiday in their hometowns.

Mount Raung has been erupting since June, prompting the periodic closures of several airports in Bali and East Java to avoid the risk volcanic ash poses to aircraft.

- dpa