Flight suspension extended at an Indonesian airport due to volcanic ash

The airport announced, through its Instagram account, the extension of the suspension of flights until 9:30 am local time, after the procedure was scheduled to end at 5:30 am, for reasons related to air navigation safety. The authorities stated that the affected flights included 160 domestic flights, 39 international flights, and 10 cargo flights.

The Indonesian Ministry of Transport said that the volcano began erupting late Friday, while volcanic ash was detected in the vicinity of the airport on Sunday morning. The Meteorological Authority reported that the ash reached heights of about 6,000 meters on the side facing Java Island, while the ash column reached about 15,000 meters in the direction of Sumatra and parts of Banten Province.

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency called on residents to remain calm and raise the level of caution, and advised using masks and eye protection when ash falls, reducing outdoor activities, covering water sources, and being careful while driving due to the low level of visibility.

Local media reported the suspension of activities in a number of schools, and complaints of eye irritation among residents and students due to the ash, while some fishermen canceled their trips. The disaster agency confirmed on Saturday that there was no imminent risk of tsunami waves resulting from volcanic activity.