TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Wings Air, a low-cost carrier part of the Lion Air Group, canceled flights for the Kupang-Lewoleba-Kupang route on Thursday, 4 May, due to the eruption of Mount Ile Lewotolok in Lembata Regency, East Nusa Tenggara.

“Aviation safety and security are Wings Air's top priority. Flight cancellations are carried out to avoid risks to the security and safety of passengers and crew,” said the airline’s spokesman Danang Mandala Prihantoro in a written statement, Thursday.

Refunds of tickets or changes to flight schedules are thus provided based on applicable procedures and rules. Apart from that, he added, the airline would keep monitoring the situation closely and coordinating with aviation authorities to ensure safety and security.

“If the aviation authority states that the destination airport is safe and not disturbed by a volcanic eruption, then flight operations will resume as usual,” Danang explained.

He elaborated that volcanic eruptions and ash could endanger flights as the ash particles can hinder the pilot’s visibility and affect aircraft navigation and communication. “Aircraft radar cannot detect volcanic ash particles, so aircraft must avoid areas where volcanic ash is visible or estimated to be.”

According to Danang, to support aviation safety and security, aviation authorities always pay attention to environmental conditions before deciding to fly. “And take preventive measures such as canceling flights or changing flight paths so that passengers and crew remain safe.”

MOH. KHORY ALFARIZI

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