Mount Agung volcano erupts during the night, as seen from Datah village, Karangasem Regency in Bali, Indonesia on June 29, 2018. REUTERS/Johannes P. Christo

JAKARTA (Reuters) - Several flights were canceled or rescheduled on Thursday when a volcano erupted on the Indonesian holiday island of Bali, sending a column of ash and smoke at least 2 km into the air, officials said.

Bali airport was operating normally, but some airlines said they had canceled flights to and from the island known for its beaches and temples.

“The eruption of Mount Agung today has impacted several of our flights to and from Bali,” budget carrier AirAsia said in a statement, adding at least 27 flights had been canceled or rescheduled.

Jetstar and Virgin Australia also canceled flights, according to media. Hundreds of passengers were expected to be affected.

Mount Aging, an active volcano in northeastern Bali, has been puffing since late last year. In December, minor explosive eruptions closed the airport.

Airlines avoid flying through volcanic ash as it can damage aircraft engines, clog fuel and cooling systems and hamper visibility.