AVIATION/ ASH CLOUD CAUSES FLIGHT HAVOC IN AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

Both Australia and New Zealand report numerous flight cancelations and delays today, as the ash cloud from the Chilean volcano eruption makes it was thru the region. Both QANTAS and VIRGIN AUSTRALIA canceled domestic service to and from Melbourne, Australia. Qantas also said it canceled 22 flights to and from New Zealand and the Australian island state of Tasmania, as well as 8 flights within New Zealand's South Island, as the dust cloud from the volcano spread across the atmosphere. Australian budget carrier JETSTAR said it canceled domestic flights to South Island Airports and domestic flights in New Zealand. Australia's TIGER AIRWAYS has also canceled some flights. National carrier AIR NEW ZEALAND did not cancel or delay any flights, but has adjusted flight routes and altitudes to ensure aircraft remain clear of any ash. The New Zealand's Civil Aviation Authority said the ash plumes could affect aircraft cruising levels for both jet and turboprop aircraft at between 20000 and 35000 feet. The Puyehue volcano in Chile began erupting on June 4, with the initial ash plume reaching above 50000ft. The volcanic cloud drifted over the southern skies of Australia and New Zealand last night and is expected to remain for the next few days. Officials said the ash cloud could cause disruptions in both countries for several days. Another ash cloud from the volcano is hovering very near to South Africa, but no major disruptions have yet been reported. In South America, the number of cancelations and delays has decreased significantly, but officials say some small towns are still without air service today.