Haze Start to Disrupt Flights in Pekanbaru
18 September 2014 17:50 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Pekanbaru - Haze originating from forest fires in Riau have started to affect flight schedules in Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport, Pekanbaru. At least eight planes have to delay their arrival and departure due to the thick haze. "The thick haze caused limited visibility of only 800 meters," said the ariport Duty Manager Ibnu Hasan.
Two airliners, Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air, had to delay their flights, both from and heading for Pekanbaru. Citilink, on the other hand, diverted its plane to Batam earlier today as the runway was shoruded with thick haze.
Ibnu said that Garuda Indonesia will not commence any flight if visibility is still below the standard of 2,000 meters. The thick haze has reduced the visibility to only 800 meters in some areas in Pelalawan, and other areas of Pekanbaru.
RIYAN NOFITRA