Flight Services to Indonesia’s West Sulawesi Operate Normally after Earthquakes: Transportation Ministry

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Indonesia’s Transportation Ministry has assured Sunday that flight operations in Tampa Padang Airport, Mamuju will run normally after Friday’s quake and its aftershocks in Majene, West Sulawesi.

The ministry’s air transportation director general Novie Riyanto said that the flight navigation services will be controlled by its local AirNav and the AirNav in Makassar, South Sulawesi.

“Due to the damage in the flight navigation tower, the flight information services are provided at the Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Mamuju watch room. The operations in Mamuju Airport will continue to run normally,” said Novie in a statement on Sunday, January 17.

Also read: AirAsia Indonesia Hikes Flight Frequency of Lombok-Jakarta Route

The airport is also ready to serve logistical assistance, deployment of aid personnel, and evacuation facilities. The airport has a 2,500-meter runway with an apron capacity for seven aircraft.

“We have coordinated with the related parties at the airports, the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPPD), the Indonesian military (TNI), and police for the arrival and security of logistic aid which will be distributed [to the people]. We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of the victims. Hopefully, the situation will be resolved well,” he added.

Also read: Garuda Indonesia Launches New Papua Routes to Boost Tourism in Region

The affected airports comprise Tampa Padang Airport in Mamuju and Sumarorong Airport in Mamasa. All employees are reported safe and the airport facilities only experienced minor damage.

“The airport conditions and flight navigation services have now been handled. For now, the flight navigation services have been transferred to AirNav Makassar,” said Novie.

(Writer: Elsa Catriana | Editor: Erlangga Djumena)

Source: https://money.kompas.com/read/2021/01/17/101000426/pasca-gempa-majene-kemenhub-pastikan-pelayanan-penerbangan-di-sulawesi-barat.