Wings Air Stops Makassar - Baubau Flights Because They Have Not Been Supported By Adequate PCR Test Facilities

Wings Air plane. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Wings Air has temporarily suspended its flight operations for the Makassar - Baubau and Baubau - Kendari routes, from July 8 - 20, 2021. This policy has been submitted to Betoambari Baubau Airport.

The Head of Technical, Operational, Security and Emergency Services (TOKPD) of Betoambari Baubau Airport, La Rano said, the temporary suspension of Wings Air flights was due to a circular letter from three ministers.

The circular letter was from the Minister of Transportation regarding travel requirements when implementing Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM), the COVID-19 Task Force and the Governor of Southeast Sulawesi which requires airplane passengers to be free from COVID-19, as evidenced by PCR results. Meanwhile, the PCR equipment is not sufficient in Baubau.

"Because it has not been supported by adequate PCR facilities, passengers are a bit burdened so that the trend of passengers is down. So to avoid losses, the airlines stop their flights until July 20", said Rano, quoted from Antara, Monday, July 12.

Currently, only Citilink airline serves flights at Betoambari Airport with one flight per day on the Baubau - Makassar route.

Even so, their party is still waiting for confirmation from the Citilink airline whether it will continue to operate or will temporarily suspend its operations in the next few days.

"Now the only aircraft serving Betoambari Airport is Citilink. But we are also waiting for further information from the airline, don't let it stop tomorrow or the day after because today's passenger trend is only around 30 people", he said.

He admitted that since the issuance of the latest COVID-19 Task Force circular which regulates travel conditions, passengers at Betoambari Airport have decreased by up to 50 percent.