Lion Air Group's Ternate Route Operation Returns to Normal after Mount Ruang Eruption

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Lion Air Group stated that flights operational at Sultan Babullah Ternate Airport in North Maluku have returned to normal as of Saturday, April 20, after the eruption of Mount Ruang on April 18.

Lion Air Group Corporate Communications Strategic, Danang Mandala Prihantoro said the airspace at Sultan Babullah Ternate Airport is in a safe condition and free of volcanic ash following the eruption of Mount Ruang. Thirteen flights from Ternate to Jakarta, Surabaya, Makassar, Ambon, Labuha, and Morotai have returned to normal and are serving passengers.

"This decision was taken after ensuring that the airspace in the area, including flight routes and zones in the atmosphere where aircraft operate, is free from the effects of volcanic ash," he said in a written statement on Saturday, April 20.

Danang said his office had informed all passengers of the updated status of flight services at Sultan Babullah Ternate Airport.

Lion Air Group will continue to monitor intensively the situation after the Mount Ruang eruption and coordinate with the stakeholders to make sure all the flight operations meet the strict safety standards.

"Lion Group is committed to providing the best service and prioritizing the safety and comfort of the passengers on every flight," said Danang.

Meanwhile, Lion Air canceled 27 flights from and to Sam Ratulangi Manado Airport, following the instruction from airport authorities via the Notice to Airmen Number A1021/24/NOTAMR A1016/24. It says that the temporary closure of Sam Ratulangi Airport is extended until Sunday, April 21, at 12:00 Central Indonesia Time (GMT+8).

Danang said that Lion Group would accommodate requests for the change in flight schedule under the prevailing regulations for affected passengers.

Based on satellite images from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency or BMKG, the distribution of volcanic ash from Mount Ruang has led to the west, northwest, northeast, and southeast regions, covering the skies of Manado and North Minahasa. The results of the paper test conducted by the Sam Ratulangi Manado Airport team also observed volcanic ash reaching the surface.

Novali Panji Nugroho

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