Indonesia’s Minangkabau International Airport Temporarily Closed Following Mount Marapi’s Eruption

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia’s Transportation Ministry took decisive action on Friday, temporarily closing Minangkabau International Airport in Padang, West Sumatra, following the eruption of Mount Marapi, which released volcanic ash into the atmosphere.

M. Kristi Endah Murni, the Director General of Air Transportation at the ministry, stated, “The eruption of Mt. Marapi is dynamic, so we will continue to monitor this situation, and coordinate intensively with relevant stakeholders in terms of ensuring aspects of safety, security, and flight comfortability.”

The decision to close Minangkabau International Airport was made after a test conducted by the Airport Authority Office Region VI in Padang confirmed the release of volcanic ash by Mount Marapi. The closure was communicated through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), No. B0115/24 NOTAMN, announcing the airport’s closure from 2:15 p.m. local time until further notice.

According to the Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG), Mount Marapi’s eruption produced an ash column reaching 500 meters above the peak, or 3,391 meters above sea level. The thick ash column, observed to be gray, was moving toward the southwest.

Murni assured that the ministry, in collaboration with the Airport Authority Region VI Padang, would consistently monitor and observe developments on the field at 30-minute to 1-hour intervals at various points around the airport. Notably, this is not the first time the airport has faced temporary closure due to volcanic activity from Mount Marapi.

“I hope that the public, especially prospective passengers, can understand this force majeure situation. We received information that there are 16 flights potentially affected by the airport closure, and we continue to update this,” Murni added, urging understanding during this situation.