News: Qantas defends cautious actions

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The volcanic ash that has spread through the air from Chile to southern states of Australia has brought Qantas Airways (ASX:QAN) crisis management practice into question.



The airline currently has flights to and from Adelaide, New Zealand and Tasmania on hold, while other airlines, like Virgin, Singapore Airlines and Rex, are still operating.



Qantas spokeswoman Olivia Wirth has rejected claims the airline’s cautious actions are a publicity stunt, but rather in the interest of crew and passenger safety.



The airline has predicted that about 20,000 of its passengers have had flights disrupted.



Qantas Airways (ASX:QAN) reported a profit of $239 million in the second half of last year.