Haze Endangers Flights; Indonesia Closes 8 Airports
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September 18, 2019 | 12:44 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Transportation Ministry announced that a number of airports are still closed in areas affected by land fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra. Visibility is still minimal due to haze from the fire, making each flight a danger to passengers' life.
In total, eight airports are not operating because of the haze situation.
"Visibility is below the required level in the Notice to Airmen as issued by AirNav Indonesia," the ministry's director general of civil aviation Polana B. Pramesti said in a written statement, Wednesday, September 18.
Airports that are temporarily closed are APT Pranoto Samarinda, Melalan Melalak, Rahadi Oesman Ketapang, H.Asan Sampit, Sanggu Buntok, Pangsuma, Bandara Putussibau, and Letung Anambas.
Polana said the ministry continues to communicate and coordinate with relevant parties regarding the latest situation. Polana also asked the staff of each airport to remain on guard.
He also said that airlines with routes to areas affected by the haze have reported changes in their operations; from flight delays to cancellations.
FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA
