Impact Of Mount Ruang Eruption In North Sulawesi, Malaysia Airlines Flights Canceled

Illustration of the eruption of Mount Ruang Sulawesi (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Malaysia Airlines canceled a number of flights to and from Sabah and Sarawak on Thursday 18 April due to being affected by the eruption of Mount Ruang in North Sulawesi (Sulut)

In the announcement of the cancellation through Malaysia's official social media account, Malaysia Airlines said it canceled a number of flights to and from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to Sabah and Sarawak on April 18, 2024.

As quoted by ANTARA, the airline said it would continue to monitor developments closely considering the situation continues to grow. Further information regarding flight cancellations will be updated and communicated directly to affected customers.

At the same time, the airline is trying to accommodate passengers affected by flight cancellations on alternative flights after the situation gets better.

They also urge passengers to update the details of their contacts via the Malaysia Airlines website to receive updates on time over time via email and SMS. The safety of passengers and flight crew remains the most important thing for airlines.

A number of flights to and from Sabah to Kuala Lumpur that were affected were MH7420 (KUL-TWU), MH7421 (TWU-KUL), MH2612 (KUL-BKI), MH2621 (BKI-KUL), MH2710 (KUL-SDK), MH2711 (SDK-KUL), MH2610 (KUL-BKI), MH2611 (BKI-KUL), MH7404 (KUL-BKI), MH7405 (BKI-KUL).

Meanwhile, flights to and from Sarawak to Kuala Lumpur include MH2520 (KUL-KCH), MH2513 (KCH-KUL), MH2542 (KUL-KCH), MH2543 (KCH-KUL), MH2574 (KUL-MYY), MH2575 (MY-KUL), MH2742 (KUL-BTU), MH2743 (BTU-KUL).

The history of the eruption has been recorded since 1808 and has an eruption interval ranging from 1 to 30 years. In 2002 Mount Ruang also experienced explosive eruptions accompanied by hot clouds that resulted in damage to land and settlements and required residents to evacuate to safe places.

After falling asleep for 22 years, on April 16, 2024, Mount Ruang again woke up and spewed various volcanic materials ranging from lava, gas, rock, to ash. Now seismic activity is still high and eruptions are still happening.