The safety of UQ travellers is a priority for the University. Authorities have warned it could be a matter of hours before Mount Agung erupts in Bali, Indonesia following unprecedented levels of seismic activity in recent days.
Please be advised due to the threat of volcanic activity and possible disruption to flights and travel plans, the University has decided to suspend all University travel to Indonesia until further notice. The situation will continue to be monitored.
UQ travellers planning to travel to Indonesia in the next 10 days should make appropriate arrangements to cancel or postpone travel. UQ travellers can contact Campus Travel to re-arrange their travel plans.
Increased volcanic activity on Mount Agung
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Hundreds of volcanic earthquakes have been recorded daily since September 25. Authorities raised the volcano's alert status to its highest warning level at 20:30 on September 22 and expanded the exclusion zone, asking the public to stay 12 km (7.5 miles) away from Mount Agung's peak.
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Authorities have evacuated more than 100,000 residents from the area. Authorities are on standby to divert flights headed to Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in the event of an eruption. Officials said flights may be diverted to 10 other airports in the country including nearby Lombok International Airport (LOP); however, depending on the scale of eruption and wind direction, flights at LOP may also be affected.
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About 100 buses have been prepared at DPS for possible evacuation of tourists.
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The UK, Australia, US, and Singapore are among several countries that have issued advisories, warning travellers that an eruption at Mount Agung could disrupt regional flights and travel plans.
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Ground transport disruptions, especially in the area leading to the exclusion zone, are possible. Authorities could set up roadblocks within the zone and in nearby areas as a precaution.
Airlines
- Singapore Airlines (SQ) said it will allow customers travelling to Bali between September and October 23 to rebook their flights or request a refund.
- Both Jetstar (JQ) and Virgin Australia (VA) will allow customers to change their flights as per earlier advice.
- Virgin Australia (VA) said it will be making an additional stop for fuel, in Darwin, for some of its flights to Denpasar in case it has to turn back.
Is this covered by UQ travel insurance?
Cancellation and curtailment expenses incurred by a UQ traveller due to unforeseen circumstance outside the control of either UQ or the traveller will be reimbursed under the insurance policy, subject to the policy's terms, conditions and exclusions. This cover applies both before a journey commences (loss of deposits), or once a traveller has commenced the journey.
For insurance queries contact Insurance Services:
Email: insurance@uq.edu.au
Phone: +61 7 3365 3075
What if I have booked travel to Indonesia but not through Campus Travel?
If travellers booked directly with a travel supplier other than Campus Travel, the traveller will need to contact the supplier themselves. Some airlines are offering refunds or changes, but this depends on the supplier.
Further assistance
If you require emergency assistance while travelling, please contact Chubb Insurance Assistance. The contact details are listed below:
Travel emergency 24/7 contact
Chubb Assistance phone +61 2 8907 5995 and quote UQ policy number 01PP529201. Reverse phone charge is available.
Campus Travel can be contacted 24/7, 365 days a year.
Please contact the Campus Travel team if you are affected and are supposed to be travelling to Indonesia in the next 10 days.
Number: +61 7 3393 8855 (calls from overseas)
Number: 1300 662 703 (calls from within Australia)
Email: uq@campustravel.com.au
Refer to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for more information:
