A joint-patrol unit secured the hot air balloonSemarang, C Java (ANTARA) - A massive unmanned hot air balloon, released illegally by a local resident, landed in the Ahmad Yani International Airport area in Semarang, Central Java, Sunday, though not posing any hindrance owing to no commercial flights.
The hot air balloon did not jeopardize any flight activities at the airport owing to the absence of commercial flights on May 24, spokesman of state-owned airport operator PT Angkasa Pura I Ahmad Danar Suryanyono told ANTARA here, Monday.
"A joint-patrol unit secured the hot air balloon," he confirmed.
The Indonesian Flight Navigation Service Institution (AirNav)-Semarang Office has cautioned pilots of unmanned hot air balloons frequently released by locals during the Idul Fitri festivities by issuing a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM).
"We have issued a NOTAM to pilots flying over the skies of the Ahmad Yani Airport regarding these hot air balloons," AirNav-Semarang Office's Operational Manager, Kelik Widjanarko, remarked.
The hot air balloons released illegally endanger flight safety and security. However, greater awareness of this unlawful act still eludes community members, he pointed out.
There have been repeated instances of hot air balloons being released near the Semarang-based airport over the past few years.
In 2017, AirNav had issued a similar warning to airmen of being careful of the presence of unmanned hot air balloons.
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Translator: Immanuel CS, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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