Jakarta, IO – Mount Marapi in West Sumatra erupted again on Friday (22/12). Volcanic ash that disrupted flights forced the Minangkabau International Airport (BIM) to temporarily close.
The decision was taken by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. As a result, 15 flights were canceled or diverted, per detikcom, Sat (23/12).
“BIM has temporarily closed its operations. The aim is as a mitigation measure due to the ash from Mount Marapi which was detected through field observations,” said Head of the Padang Region VI Airport Authority, Megi Helmiadi.
“The observations took the form of a paper test which was carried out this morning. And currently observations are still being carried out at intervals of 1 to 2 hours,” he added.
Megi explained that closing BIM was carried out to anticipate undesirable outcome. He expressed concern that if the flight was allowed, the plane’s engine would die.
“The spread of volcanic ash can be dangerous and stop aircraft engines from working midair,” said Megi. “The decision to close was taken with the main consideration of aviation safety.”
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Mount Marapi, which is located in Agam and Tanah Datar regencies, West Sumatra, erupted again on Friday (22/12), at around 12.19am WIB.
The direction of the eruption this time is towards the Padang Panjang and Padang Pariaman areas, where Minangkabau Airport is located. (un)