Eight Airports Closed as Transport Minister Says Safety Is the Top Priority

Indonesia extended the closure of eight airports affected by volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau until 9 a.m. on Sept. 7, with the transport minister saying authorities would not reopen them until safety could be confirmed.

The closures included Halim Perdanakusuma in Jakarta, Radin Inten II in Lampung, Husein Sastranegara in Bandung, Budiarto in Curug, Pondok Cabe in South Tangerang, Taufik Kiemas in West Lampung and Atung Bungsu in Pagar Alam, South Sumatra. The list also included another airport affected by the ash, while Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai airport had recorded 42 cancelled or rescheduled flights by Sunday afternoon.

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said officials were monitoring the spread of the ash with information from Indonesia’s meteorological agency, BMKG. “Safety is our priority. We are looking at the latest situation based on information provided by BMKG. So, we cannot yet determine when it will end because the weather is too dynamic,” he said. BMKG reported that wind direction was changing quickly at different altitude layers.

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Safety is our priority. We are looking at the latest situation based on information provided by BMKG. So, we cannot yet determine when it will end because the weather is too dynamic. BMKG said that wind direction at every altitude layer is changing quickly, and that is what we must ensure.

The Transport Ministry conducted paper tests every 30 minutes at all airports to determine whether the ash was spreading or receding. Dudy said aircraft would also undergo inspections before operations resumed, to ensure that no dust remained in their engines.

“Usually all airlines have made preparations. If necessary, if passengers have to stay overnight, they will shut down the engines. Even if the airport reopens, the aircraft must first be inspected before operating to ensure there is no dust in the engines,” Dudy said.

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Usually all airlines have made preparations. If necessary, if passengers have to stay overnight, they will shut down the engines. Even if the airport reopens, the aircraft must first be inspected before operating to ensure there is no dust in the engines.