Had Been Closed After Being Affected By Volcanic Ash, Minangkabau Airport Returned To Operation

Mount Marapi, which is located in Agam Regency and Tanah Datar Regency, experienced an eruption. (DOC. ANTARA)

After previously being closed after being affected by volcanic ash, the Minangkabau International Airport Operation (BIM) in Padang Pariaman Regency, West Sumatra was reopened this Saturday.

"Yesterday (Friday) BIM was closed due to being affected by the spread of volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Marapi, but this morning after the paper test showed negative results so that the airport could reopen," said Head of the Padang Regional VI Airport Authority Office, Capt Megi H. Helmiadi in Padang, reported by ANTARA, Saturday, January 20.

Capt Megi said the results of the paper test in the field on Saturday morning at 06.00 WIB showed negative results. Through Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) Number B0117/24 NOTAMC B0115/24 issued by AirNav Indonesia, the airport has been operating again since 06.20 WIB.

The Padang Regional VI Airport Authority will continue to monitor and supervise the development of the Mount Marapi situation in the form of field observations with intervals of one to two hours at several points around the airport.

"We carry out monitoring and monitoring regularly, of course by coordinating intensively with all aviation stakeholders to ensure flight operations in BIM can operate by fulfilling safety, security and comfort aspects," he said.

To note, if flights are still carried out in the midst of the spread of volcanic ash, it has the potential to enter the aircraft cabin. 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 aircraft, thereby reducing efficiency.