TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - State airport operator, Angkasa Pura I, said that 39,715 passengers from 414 flights have been affected by the closure of Denpasar's Ngurah Rai international Airport between July 9-12, 2015 - which was necessitated by the eruption of Mount Raung, which has continued to spew volcanic ash, thus posing a serious threat to civil aviation.

"The numbers were compiled since July 9 to July 12, 2015, whcih consist entirely of affected airline passengers," said Angkasa Pura I Corporate Secretary, Farid Nugraha, in Jakarta on Sunday.

Farid noted that on Thursday, July 9, 2015, eight domestic flights were cancelled - affecting 1,200 passengers - while 4,650 passengers were affected by the cancellation of 31 international flights.

On Friday, July 10, 2015, 160 domestic flights were cancelled and 117 international flights were cancelled - affecting 10,376 and 9,077 passengers, respectively.

"The airport resumed operations at 12:00 local time on July 11, 2015, although the flurry of flights have caused some delays to scores of scheduled and replacement flights," said Farid.

On Sunday, July 12, 2015, continued Farid, the airport was closed once more since 10.30 in the morning - impacting 21 flights carrying 2,034 passengers and 15 international, affecting a further 2,673 passengers.

The Transport Ministry has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) No. C01424/15, allowing the limited resumption of operations from Ngurah Rai Airport - by 15:00 local time on July 12, one runway resumed operations.

Meanwhile, Blimbingsari Airport in Banyuwangi, East Java, remained closed, as ordered by NOTAM No. C0524/15 until 16:00 local time, July 12, 2016.

ANTARA