Bali eruption: Hope for stranded tourists as airport reopens

Ngurah Rai International Airport has opened today, but the final decision to fly will be made by pilots. Photo / AP

Jetstar and Qantas hope to fly almost 4000 stranded passengers out of Bali tomorrow after predictions an ash cloud from Bali's Mount Agung eruption will temporarily clear.

Ten scheduled services and six relief flights were announced to help clear a backlog of holidaymakers after Denpasar Airport was reopened today.

However, Jetstar warned senior pilots will need to make assessments on that evening and tomorrow morning to make sure the plan goes ahead.

"Volcanic activity and ash cloud are unpredictable and flights may be cancelled at short notice," a spokesman said in a statement.

Virgin Australia was assessing the situation.

Tourists left on the ground in Bali had faced days of uncertainty, with scientists predicting the volcano may become more active in coming days.

Indonesian authorities have ordered 100,000 residents who live near the volcano to evacuate.

Travel insurance companies have also warned some customers would only be covered if they bought policies up to nine weeks ago - before warnings were issued by the Indonesian government.

- AAP