DENPASAR, Bali (BPN) – The number of flight cancellations at Bali Airport, caused by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, East Nusa Tenggara, is gradually decreasing.
Airport management reported that the highest number of cancellations occurred on Wednesday (November 13), with a total of 115 flights canceled, including 32 domestic flights and 83 international flights.
On Thursday (November 14), the number of cancellations dropped to 52 flights, consisting of 11 domestic flights (6 departures, 5 arrivals) and 41 international flights (22 departures, 19 arrivals).
“During both periods, Australia was the route most affected by the cancellations, with a total of 61 canceled flights; 47 on Wednesday, and 14 on Thursday,” said Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, General Manager of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, in an official statement issued on Friday (November 15).
On Thursday, several Australian airlines that had suspended operations the day before, including Qantas, Virgin, and Jetstar, resumed their flights.
Although not all routes were operational, the flights that resumed included those to Sydney, Darwin, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth.
The gradual return to normal operations at the airport was also reflected in the increase in passenger numbers, both domestic and international.
On Wednesday, there were 35,865 passengers, and on Thursday, 54,320 passengers were served.
“According to the operational plan for Friday, November 15, based on data obtained at 03:00 AM local time, there will be 399 aircraft movements, both arrivals and departures. Based on this data, there are no flight cancellations due to the eruption of Mount Lewotobi,” Ahmad Syaugi Shahab added.
Throughout the eruption of Mount Lewotobi, I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport has continued to operate normally.
Previously, on Wednesday, November 13, the Head of Bali Tourism Office also issued a statement regarding the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara.
“We can confirm that Bali is very safe at this moment because Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki is located far from the island of Bali. Bali’s tourism activities are continuing as usual,” said Tjok Bagus Pemayun, Head of the Tourism Office.
Tjok Bagus Pemayun explained that regarding the flight cancellations to and from Bali, PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia had anticipated the situation by conducting aerodrome observation through a paper test, which showed negative results, with no volcanic ash detected at the airport area.
This was further supported by information and predictions of volcanic ash direction by the Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG), as well as airspace observation from LPPNPI and pilot reports.
Thus, the local airport authorities declared that the airspace at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport on Wednesday, November 13, was not affected by volcanic ash and that the airport operated normally.
“For passengers affected by flight cancellations, both Angkasa Pura and the airlines have prepared mechanisms to handle the passengers,” he concluded.
