Flights in Australia grounded for second day due to ash

Volcanic ash from Chile has continued to disrupt air travel in Australia and New Zealand for a second day. Airlines including Qantas, Jetstar and Tiger suspended their flights to and from various parts of the region, the (BBC) reported Monday. Strong winds have carried the fine particles of ash from the Puyehue-Cordon Caulle volcano in Chile to southern New Zealand and Australia. The particles have the potential to seriously damage jet engines. New Zealand's national carrier, Air New Zealand also issued a warning that it may be forced to ground some flights if the situation worsens. "We may well be affected later on today and tomorrow because if we can't exit or operate across the Tasman Sea and get to 20,000 feet before we enter into controlled air space then we will have issues in the next few days," said the airline's chief pilot David Morgan.