KUALA LUMPUR – Flight operations to and from nine airports, including Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, Sandakan, Labuan, Miri, Sibu, Bintulu, Kuching, and Brunei will be affected from 10am today until 8am tomorrow.
This is due to the eruption of Mount Ruang in Indonesia’s Sulawesi Islands, which has resulted in extensive volcanic ash clouds affecting airspace and visibility in the region.
According to AirAsia’s latest statement, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has recognised this as a serious threat to the safety of aircraft and passengers.
AirAsia Aviation Group chief executive officer Bo Lingam has apologised for the disruption, emphasising that the safety of passengers and crew is paramount.
“We appreciate our guests’ understanding and cooperation during this time. We are closely monitoring the situation and working with relevant authorities, including CAAM, to evaluate the conditions for resuming operations to affected destinations.
“We are dedicating all senior executives and resources on the ground to ensure the safety of our guests and aircraft amidst these circumstances and we thank all of our guests for their continued support and patience during this time,” he added.
Previously, Malaysia Airlines also issued a similar statement on its Facebook, stating that, “Given the evolving situation, Malaysia Airlines will continue to closely monitor developments.”
“Concurrently, the airline is working to accommodate passengers affected by the cancellation of flights on alternative flights once the situation progressively improves,” the national carrier said.
It was reported that 11,000 people in areas close to the volcano have been asked to evacuate, as air travel in the region has been disrupted following multiple eruptions on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Mount Ruang, located in North Sulawesi Province, first erupted at 9.45pm local time on Tuesday, sending billowing clouds of smoke and ash high into the sky.
Earlier, Indonesia closed the Sam Ratulangi airport in Manado, North Sulawesi, due to a volcano eruption overnight, its transport ministry said in a statement on Thursday, according to Reuters.
The airport will be closed until this evening, the ministry said, with nine flights affected so far. – April 18, 2024