TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - State-owned airport operator Angkasa Pura I (AP I) is preparing to provide several services following the temporary closure of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali, today, June 29, in the wake of the volcanic ash of Mount Agung. The closure is effective after the issuance of Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) A2551/18, which lasts for 16 hours starting 03:00 until 19:00 local time.
“We have coordinated with airlines to provide an information center for refund and ticket reschedule services for passengers who have booked tickets,” said AP I secretary Israwadi in a written statement received by Tempo today.
Directorate of Aviation issued the NOTAM based on evaluation reports of pilots. The reports showed that the volcanic ash in the airspace reached at 15,000-23,000 feet AMSL.
Read: Bali Shuts Ngurah Rai Airport Due to Volcanic Ash from Mt. Agung
Meanwhile, RGB Citra Satelit Himawari at 01:00 local time showed the wind tend to move to the west and southwest, hence based on that trajectory model of Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the volcanic ash would enter the airspace of the airport in early morning.
“Volcanic ash potentially affects flight safety, so the closure is inevitable,” Israwadi said.
Israwadi stated AP I would continue coordinating with related institutions, such as BMKG, Aviation Directorate, AirNav Indonesia, and Ground Handling to monitor and evaluate the wind movement and the spread of volcanic ash of Mount Agung.
AP I further called on all domestic and international passengers affected by the closure due to Mount Agung eruption to monitor the flight status through the airlines or call the contact center at 172 or hotline (0361) 9351011 ext 5055 or seek updates at official Twitter account @AngkasaPura172.
CAESAR AKBAR