Mopah Merauke Airport Runway Blocked By A Group Of People, Lion Air Plane Turns Back To Jayapura

Illustration of a lion air plane. (Photo: ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Lion Air JT-794 plane from Jayapura route via Sentani Airport (DJJ) to Mopah Merauke Airport was forced to turn back to Jayapura.

This is because the runway of Mopah Airport was barred by a group of people.

The Corporate Communication Strategic of Lion Air, Danang Mandala explained, the Boeing 737-900ER was carrying seven crew and 134 passengers.

Danang said the plane took off from Sentani Airport at 06.55 Eastern Indonesia Time (WIT) and was expected to arrive at Mopah Airport at 08.30 WIT.

"Lion Air received official information from the aviation authority in the form of a notice to airmen (NOTAM) number B0952/22 NOTAMC B0951/22 containing new information regarding the circumstances, changes or situation at Mopah Airport that it was temporarily closed for security reasons. blocking on the runway (block runway) by a group of people," said Danang in a written statement, Tuesday, May 31.

Danang said the pilot communicated with the air traffic controller and decided to return to the airport of origin or return to base (RTB).

The plane landed at Sentani Airport at 07.30 WIT.

"After the plane is perfectly in place (parked on the apron), all passengers are returned to the waiting room to get more information," he said.

According to Danang, Lion Air with flight number JT-794 was dispatched again after receiving official information that the destination airport had reopened and was declared safe for flight operations. The plane took off at 08.30 WIT from Sentani Airport and landed at 09.50 WIT at Mopah Airport.

"In carrying out operations, Lion Air always coordinates with all relevant parties in supporting the smooth, safe and secure flight," he said.