Indonesia's Ruang Volcano Eruption Forces Sam Ratulangi Airport Closure

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The eruption of the Ruang volcano in North Sulawesi has resulted in the temporary closure of Sam Ratulangi Airport in Sitaro Islands Regency. Head of the Manado Airport Authority Office, Ambar Suryoko, appealed to the airlines to provide appropriate compensation to the affected passengers.

Ambar said it is necessary to offer compensation for the force majeure to passengers who had purchased tickets. “Including options for a full refund, rescheduling or re-routing to the nearest airport if seats are still available,” he said in an official statement on Thursday, April 18.

Airport operations have been temporarily suspended from April 17 at 19:26 Central Indonesia Time (WITA) until April 18 at 19:26 WITA.

“The spread of volcanic ash could pose a threat to flight safety,” Ambar underlined.

He said that the Manado Region VIII Airport Authority would continuously monitor and supervise the development of the volcano situation, including the impact on nearby airports. 

The closure, he added, is a force majeure situation. He hoped that the public could understand the flight delays and cancellations. “At present, five departures and four arrivals are delayed, canceled, or diverted.”

“The authorities will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with relevant stakeholders to manage this force majeure and take the necessary steps to ensure flight safety, security, and convenience,” Ambar concluded.

ANNISA FEBIOLA

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