Lion Air Compensates 122 Passengers after Plane Hits Jet Bridge at Merauke Airport

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Lion Air is compensating 122 passengers whose flight was delayed after the plane hit a passenger boarding bridge at Merauke's Mopah Airport on Thursday morning, January 26. The incident occurred when the plane, a Boeing 737-900 with flight number JT794, was taxiing to the runway, preparing for take-off to Jayapura.

Because of the incident, the flight has now been delayed until Friday, January 27.

"Lion Air, together with the authorities, will investigate further regarding the incident," the airline's spokesman Danang Mandala Prihantoro said in a statement, Thursday.

Danang said that all affected passengers are being provided facilities based on applicable regulations, including a flight transfer to another airline based on seat availability. Meanwhile, refunds are processed based on the passenger's request.

"Lion Air apologizes for the inconvenience caused," said Danang.

Danang said that for now Lion Air cannot speculate or provide an explanation about what caused the incident, as the investigation process requires significant time.

Merauke Police Chief, Adj. Sr. Comr. Sandi Sultan, said that the incident happened at 09:10. It caused damage to the right wing. "The Merauke Police investigators have asked for information from the pilot and several crew members," the chief said.

Andry Triyanto Tjitra

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