Five Indonesian airports resume operations as volcanic ash clears

Tangerang, Banten (ANTARA) - Five airports across Indonesia resumed operations on Tuesday following brief closures caused by drifting volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau, the nation’s air navigation service provider AirNav Indonesia confirmed.

AirNav Indonesia issued official Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) clearing Radin Inten II, Muhammad Taufiq Kiemas, Budiarto, Pondok Cabe and Salakanagara airports to restart flights after tests confirmed conditions had improved.

"Although operations have resumed, these five airports remain under monitoring because volcanic ash clouds from Mount Anak Krakatau are still detected in the flight area,” Executive Vice President of Corporate Secretary at AirNav Indonesia, Hermana Soegijantoro, said in a statement.

According to the official notices, all five facilities were granted clearance to operate through 11:59 p.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB) on Tuesday:

Radin Inten II Airport (WILL): Reopened at 9:45 a.m. WIB (NOTAM B1159/26)
Salakanagara Airport, Tanjung Lesung (WIHI): Reopened at 9:50 a.m. WIB (NOTAM C1138/26)
Muhammad Taufiq Kiemas Airport (WILP): Reopened at 9:31 a.m. WIB (NOTAM C1136/26)
Pondok Cabe Airport (WIHP): Reopened at 3:04 a.m. WIB (NOTAM C1133/26)
Budiarto Airport (WIRR): Reopened at 3:01 a.m. WIB (NOTAM C1131/26)

Hermana explained that the issuance of the NOTAMs was based on favorable changes in ash distribution patterns and ground-level monitoring. Periodic volcanic ash paper tests conducted at all affected airfields yielded negative results.

The navigation agency continues to coordinate with relevant aviation and geological stakeholders to monitor the trajectory of Mount Anak Krakatau's volcanic ash.

"Monitoring and updating of aeronautical information are carried out continuously to ensure flight operations continue with safety as a priority,” Hermana concluded.

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