Airnav Sets 10 Backup Airports Nearing Mt. Agung Eruption in Bali

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - In anticipating the effects of Mount Agung eruption, Airnav Indonesia has prepared 10 alternative airports to temporarily replace the service of I Gusti Ngurah Rai airport in Bali.

“As the flight navigation administrator we have prepared contingency and mitigation plans, one of which is by preparing 10 alternative airports,” said AirNav Indonesia President Director Novie Riyanto. AirNav Indonesia also continues to coordinate with the Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Center (PVMBG) and Australia’s Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC).

Read: Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport Unaffected by Mount Agung Activities

The alternative airports include Juanda Airport in Surabaya, Sultan Hasanuddin in Makassar, Lombok International Airport, Adisoemarmo Airport in Solo, Pattimura Airport in Ambon, Blimbingsari Airport in Banyuwangi, Sepinggan Airport in Balikpapan, Kupang Airport, Sam Ratulangi Airport in Manado, and Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Jakarta.

Despite the contingency plans, Novie explained that currently, it is still safe for commercial flights to actively fly in and out of Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai international airport.

Read: Magma Movements Beneath Bali's Mount Agung Continue to Increase

If the potential of Mount Agung's eruption keeps increasing, Angkasa Pura I Corporate Secretary Israwadi said that Ngurah Rai airport will provide a first responder post, supporting facilities such as hotline centers, passenger’s airline help desk, and ground transportation to drive passengers if they wish to switch to land or sea transport.

The Juanda Airport in Surabaya – roughly 400 kilometers from Bali - has prepared 12 additional alternative flight slots to anticipate the possible shutdown of I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport if Mount Agung’s volcanic ashes are detected in the sky.

ANTARA