Ash from Chile’s Puyehue volcano continues to disrupt Australian air travel. Meteorologists and air traffic management officers are closely monitoring a large body of volcanic ash approaching Perth from the south-west today.

Airservices, the federal government's air traffic control provider, said the ash is expected to affect flights to and from Western Australia as early as this afternoon, depending on wind and weather conditions.

Ash has largely dissipated from around Adelaide, with most flights expected to resume today.

Tasmania and New Zealand remain ash affected with airlines reassessing flights to these locations during the day.

The northern boundary of the ash cloud which affected flights from Melbourne and Adelaide over the past 48 hours is now located over Bass Strait.

Virgin Australia cancels travel to Perth

Virgin Australia today suspended flights to and from Perth due to the forecast of ash plume due in the area from 1.00pm Perth local time today.

Group Executive Operations Sean Donohue said the decision to suspend services was made in consultation with the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre and Bureau of Meteorology.

“The ash plume is forecast to be at a lower band level of approximately 15,000 feet and with this in mind, Virgin Australia will suspend all services into and out of Perth as a precautionary measure.

“Safety is and always will be our highest priority. It is a fundamental of the Virgin Australia group of airline’s business. Our Safety Management System is an extremely robust set of principles and standards.

Virgin said it will monitor the situation throughout the day.