The ministry's Acting Director General of Air Transportation Lukman F. Laisa noted in a statement from his ministry received here Wednesday that the ministry had urged the airport authorities to coordinate intensively with state-run air traffic control service provider AirNav Indonesia and other stakeholders.
"We are committed to maintaining flight safety, security, and comfort by continuing to coordinate so that measures according to procedures can be carried out optimally," he remarked.
Following the latest eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, on November 3, 2024, the volcano's status has been raised from Level III (Alert) to Level IV (Warning),
AirNav Indonesia has issued warnings against the volcanic ash spread in the airspace around Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport and other nearest airports such as Soa Airport, Haji Hasan Aroeboesman Airport, Frans Sales Lega Airport, Komodo Airport, Gewayantana Airport, Wunopito Airport, and Kabir Airport.
So far, several flights have been canceled, such as for routes connecting Maumere with Kupang and Makassar.
"Due to the spread of volcanic ash, several airlines have canceled flights so as not to put flight safety at risk. We will continue to coordinate further with the relevant authorities and airports," Laisa remarked.
He appealed to airlines to provide compensation to affected passengers, such as full refunds, rescheduling, or rerouting to the nearest airport if available.
Based on the paper test as of 4.00 p.m. Central Indonesia Time (WITA), Monday (November 4, 2024), all airports showed negative results on volcanic ash exposure, except Labuan Bajo's Komodo International Airport, which has been closed as minor dust activities were detected.
"We hope the situation will improve soon so flight activities and airport operations can return to normal," he remarked.
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Translator: Muhammad Harianto, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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