ENVIRONMENT: Jakarta – Mount Agung Eruption Closes Airports in Bali and East Java

Mount Agung has erupted again, causing airport closures on Friday (29/06). (Reuters Photo/Johannes P. Christo)

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Jakarta. Authorities announced on Friday (29/06) a temporary closure of several airports, including Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, following Mount Agung’s eruption.

The volcano sent a cloud of ash more than 2,500 meters above its crater.

Ngurah Rai Airport will most likely reopen at 7.00 p.m., local time, while Blimbing Sari Airport in Banyuwangi and Noto Hadinegoro Airport in Jember, both in East Java, will be closed until 5.00 p.m., according to National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) spokesman Sutopo Nugroho.

3 airports closed due to volcanic ashes from Mt.Agung: 1. Ngurah Rai Intl. Airport, 29/6/18, 03:00 LT to 19.00 LT. 2. Blimbing Sari Airport in Banyuwangi, 29/6/18 till 17.00 LT. 3. Noto Hadinegoro Airport in Jember, 29/6/18 till 17:00 LT. pic.twitter.com/n7ePIndsV2

BeritaSatu.com reported that 446 flights have been canceled at Ngurah Rai Airport, including 207  international ones, affecting 74,928 passengers.State-owned airport operator Angkasa Pura said in a statement that it is coordinating with airlines to help passengers refund or reschedule their tickets.

National flag carrier Garuda Indonesia requested its passengers to contact call centers or check their flights, as some have already been rescheduled or rerouted.

Indonesian officials are monitoring Mount Agung’s seismic activity. The volcano alert has not been raised. / By : Sheany | on 1:01 PM June 29, 2018