"Palangka Raya (opens its airport) starting today, although based on a circular of the Director General of Civil Aviation, it can be done from May 7, 2020," Siswanto, Executive General Manager (EGM) of airport operator AP II in Tjilik Riwut Airport stated here on Tuesday.
Garuda Indonesia resumed its services twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Batik Air, once daily.
"The Jakarta-Palangka Raya-Jakarta flight route is being served temporarily, though later, they might also offer flight routes to other cities, such as Surabaya or Yogyakarta," he remarked.
Despite commercial flight services, all activities at the airport are being conducted in accordance with the pandemic protocol imposed by the government.
With regard to cargo transportation to date, Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air are still serving the Jakarta-Palangka Raya route twice a week respectively.
During one flight, the cargo plane of Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air carry an average of 12-15 tons on a round trip. Based on the assumption of four flights a week, an average of 60 tons per week is transported.
"During normal times (before the COVID-19 pandemic), average cargo transportation at the Tjilik Riwut Airport reached 17-20 tons per day or 120 tons per week. Hence, there is a decrease of 50 percent," Siswanto added.
Related news: Bappenas forecasts 1% economic growth in Indonesia amid COVID-19
Related news: Number of COVID-19 patients treated at Wisma Atlet reaches 852
Translator: Kasriadi, M Arif H. Fardah
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2020
