"Moreover, the airport operates for 24 hours, and there will still be additional regular flights," Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi stated in a statement released in Jakarta on Monday.
The ministry had made several arrangements to ensure the safety, security, and smoothness of any VVIP, military, charter, private, and regular flights amid the international event.
He said that his side had issued the Circular Letter of the Director General of Civil Aviation Number 6 of 2023 concerning flight operational arrangements at Komodo Airport, Labuan Bajo, amid the implementation of the 2023 ASEAN Summit.
The circular was issued on April 18, 2023, and would come into force on May 7-13, 2023.
"We urge airline and airport managers to actively provide clear information to passengers, such as flight schedule changes, delays, cancellations, compensation, refund processes, and so on," Sumadi stated.
The ministry also appeals to the public who will travel aboard regular flights to and from Labuan Bajo to pay attention to the flight schedules during the peak period of the arrival and return of VVIP delegates' aircraft on May 9 and May 11, respectively.
To ensure the smooth operations of regular flights at Komodo Airport, the ministry urged that all VVIP aircraft park overnight at the north and south aprons of I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, Denpasar City, Bali Province.
"We are attempting to prevent flight disruptions for invited guests and delegates. However, we are also striving so that people can still visit and enjoy the beauty of Labuan Bajo during the ASEAN Summit since this is a good momentum to promote Labuan Bajo,” Sumadi remarked.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, there are a maximum of 18 regular round-trip flights per day to and from Labuan Bajo during regular circumstances.
It is estimated that there will be an additional 16 VVIP flights and repositioning in a day during the ASEAN Summit, especially on May 9 and May 11, 2023.
The Transportation Ministry has also coordinated with airport operators; aircraft ground handling; customs, immigration, and quarantine (CIQ) officers; and other stakeholders to facilitate the arrival and return of VVIP guests and delegations.
In addition, special arrangements for air evacuation by helicopter have been prepared and published in the aeronautical information publication (AIP).
Related news: Minister checks transportation readiness for ASEAN Summit
Related news: Komodo Airport is ready to support the 42nd ASEAN Summit
Translator: Benardy Ferdiansyah, Uyu Liman
Editor: Anton Santoso
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
