All flight activities were diverted to the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Cengkareng, west of Jakarta.
Director General of Air Transportation of the Transportation Ministry Polana Banguningsih Pramesti noted in a statement that Halim Perdanakusuma was closed over safety grounds.
"For safety and security purposes, activities at Halim Perdanakusuma were temporarily closed until further notice. All flights from Halim were diverted to Soetta (Soekarno-Hatta Airport)," Pramesti stated.
The floodwaters had reached up to 30 centimeters on the runway. Access to the airport was also blocked by the floodwaters that had also submerged areas outside the airport.
The ministry will continue to monitor the situation at all airports across the country as a precautionary measure against the impact of seasonal changes in the weather forecasted to last until February.
Changes in weather may trigger flight delays and diversion at the destination airport, she stated.
"Extreme weather and heavy rain may result in delay and diversion of flights. For safety and security reasons, I hope that passengers would understand if there are delays and diversion due to bad weather. It is for the safety, security, and convenience of all," Pramesti added. Related news: South Jakarta's several areas hit by flooding
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Translator: Juwita Trisna Rahayu, Sri Hary
Editor: Suharto
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