Nevertheless, we have to abide by the decision."Malang (ANTARA News) - Four flights to Jakarta from Abdulrachman Saleh Airport in Malang, East Java, have been canceled due to the eruption of Mount Raung.
"While two flights took off as scheduled in the morning, the cancelation was brought into effect this afternoon," District Manager of Sriwijaya Air Yusriansyah said here on Thursday.
Implemented at 1 p.m., the cancelation affected two Sriwijaya Air flights and one each of Batik Air and Citilink.
Yusriansyah also pointed out that some 280 Jakarta-bound passengers of Sriwijaya Air failed to depart this afternoon.
The passengers waited at the airport, hoping that the operation of the flights would be resumed soon, he remarked.
Yusriansyah further noted that the flights will not be operated till 7 p.m. "If we are allowed to fly, we will take the passengers tonight. We are still seeking a permit."
He admitted that he was surprised when he received a note from the Ministry of Transportation. The note banned flights from taking off from the airport due to the impact of volcanic ashes being spewed by Mount Raung. However, he believes that the effects were not felt at the airport and that conditions there were fine and visibility, normal.
"Nevertheless, we have to abide by the decision. We are still expecting to be able to fly because visibility is good. If it is possible to fly at night, we will," Yusriansyah affirmed.
Mount Raungs eruption continues to affect the operation of flights. Surabayas airport was closed from 1 p.m. on Thursday due to the volcanic activity.
Besides Juanda Airport in Surabaya and Abdulrachman Saleh Airport in Malang, the airport of Notohadinegoro in Jember was also closed.
Volcanic ashes also fell in Banyuwangi, causing the districts airport of Bimbingsari to halt operations, as well.
(T.E009/Uu.H-YH/INE/KR-BSR/A014)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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