Sam Ratulangi Airport Operations Closed, 18 Affected Flights

JAKARTA - The operation of Sam Ratulangi Airport, in Manado, will be temporarily closed starting today.

The closure of this airport was due to Mount Ruang in Sitaro Islands Regency, North Sulawesi, again erupted.

The airport's operational closure is through information from Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) with Notam Number: A1148/24 NOTAMR A1144/24 starting April 30 at 08.45 WITA to 12.00 WITA, and is displayed again for 24 hours until May 01, 2024 at 12.00 WITA.

"We have to re-closure the flight operations of Sam Ratulangi Airport because the spread of volcanic ash can endanger flight safety," said Head of the Manado VIII Airport Authority Office, Ambar Suryoko in an official statement, Tuesday, April 30.

Ambar said several airports under the working area of the Manado Area VIII Airport Authority Office affected by the eruption were also temporarily closed flight operations.

"In addition to Sam Ratulangi, there are several airports that are temporarily closed today, due to the eruption of Mount Ruang, namely Djalaluddin Airport, which is closed today until 16 WITA, while other airports are Melonguane Airport, Naha Airport, Siau Airport, Bolaang Mongondow Airport, Miangas Airport, and Pohuwato Airport are closed 24 hours starting today," explained Ambar.

Ambar said that his party will continue to monitor and monitor the development of the Mount Ruang situation and its impact on the surrounding airports.

Furthermore, Ambar said field observations are carried out every 1 hour at points around the airport, and if conditions have not changed, Notam will be extended.

"This incident is a force majeur situation, I hope the public, especially prospective passengers, can understand if there are delays and flight cancellations. Currently, 18 flights have been canceled (cancel), with 1,745 passengers, and 9 aircraft are grounded," he said.

Furthermore, Ambar appealed to airlines to provide compensation to passengers who have purchased tickets, including full refund, reschedule, or re-route options to the nearest airport if seat is still available.

This is expected to help passengers affected by airport closures.

Regarding the handling of volcanic eruptions and the handling of the impact of volcanic ash on flight safety operations, the Directorate General of Hubud has issued Circular Letter number SE 15 of 2019 concerning the Implementation of Flights in the Condition of Force Majeure.

As well as the Decree of the Director General of Civil Aviation Number KP 153 of 2019 concerning Procedures and Procedures for Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) for Handling the Impact of Volcanic Ash on Aviation Operations through the Integrated Web Based Aeronautical Information System Handling (I-WISH) so that the handling of the force majeure eruption of Volcano refers to the two letters as implementing guidelines.

"We will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with relevant stakeholders in handling this force majeure in order to take the necessary steps for the safety, security and comfort of flights," concluded Ambar.