Minangkabau International Airport Closed Again Due To Abu Volcanic Marapi

PADANG - Region VI Airport Authority has again closed the operations of Minangkabau International Airport (BIM), in Padang Pariaman Regency, West Sumatra due to the spread of volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Marapi.

"Because the spread of volcanic ash has reached Minangkabau International Airport, BIM operations will be closed starting at 14.15 WIB," said Head of Airport Authority Region VI Capt Megi HHelmiadi, in Padang as reported by ANTARA, Friday, January 19.

Capt Megi said the BIM closing step was carried out with consideration of the safety aspects of airplane passengers. Because, if flights are still carried out, then volcanic ash has the potential to enter the aircraft cabin.

Then another bad impact is that volcanic ash can clog the air speed monitoring system which is an important part of flying and landing. Furthermore, it can interfere with navigation and other electronic systems.

Not only that, the spread of volcanic ash also causes the runway to become slippery, thus endangering take-off activities and when the plane is about to land. Finally, volcanic ash can damage the function of the engine compressor on the plane, thereby reducing efficiency.

"Based on these considerations and for the safety of flights, BIM will be closed at 14.15 WIB," he also said.

Since Mount Marapi 2,892 meters above the eruption on December 3, 2023, airport authorities have closed BIM operations three times. The first closure occurred on Friday, December 22, 2023.

Then, the airport authorities again closed domestic and foreign flight activities on January 5, 2024, which were also affected by the spread of volcanic ash. Finally, BIM was forced to close on Friday afternoon due to the spread of volcanic ash.