Minangkabau Airport Suspends Operations as Mount Marapi Erupts

TEMPO.CO, Padang - The Airport Authority Office of Region VI decided to temporarily suspend the operations of Minangkabau International Airport (BIM) in response to the eruption of Mount Marapi in Agam and Tanah Datar, West Sumatra.

“The airport authority has ceased operations from 10:30 to 14.00 WIB,” the head of the Region VI Airport Authority Office, Megi H. Helmiadi, said in Padang, on Thursday, March 28, as reported by Antara.

Megi explained that the temporary closure was a precautionary measure, primarily focusing on the safety of flights to and from the airport. The decision was made based on the observation of the distribution of volcanic ash and the Notice to Airmen (Notam).

Volcanic ash has the potential to infiltrate the aircraft cabin and obstruct the air speed monitoring system, which is crucial for takeoff and landing, as well as disrupt navigation and other electronic systems.

Furthermore, the spread of volcanic ash also led to the runway becoming slippery, posing risks to takeoffs and landings. Volcanic ash could also damage the aircraft’s turbine compressor, reducing its efficiency.

The Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) recorded that between 00:00 and 06:00, Mount Marapi emitted moderate to high-pressure smoke at a height of 400-1000 meters above the crater summit. The agency also recorded an eruption at an altitude of 1000 meters.

RR. ARIYANI YAKTI WIDYASTUTI

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