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Volcanic ash shuts five Indonesian airports

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Five airports in Indonesia have been closed due to volcanic ash from eruptions at Mount Raung and Mount Gamalama.

The eruption at Mount Raung led to airport closures last week including the tourist island of Bali which has since reopened.

But thousands remain stranded at other airports including at Surabaya, Indonesia’s second biggest city.

Airports serving Surabaya and Malang in East Java – near Raung – and Ternate in North Maluku, near Gamalama were ordered to be shut yesterday.

Two other airports have remained closed since last week – Banyuwangi and Jember near Raung.

The additional closures came on the eve of today’s Eid holiday, which marks the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

It is a major occasion in Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, where many journey home to celebrate with their families, the BBC reported.

“Disruption to flights could continue for some time,” the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said. “Please contact your airline, tour operator and travel insurance provider for further information.”

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