Extreme Weather Disturbs Air Traffic

Jambi (Antara Bali) - Air Traffic Officials at Sultan Thaha Syaifuddin Airport, Jambi Province, said extreme weather had disturbed air traffic caused the diversion of flights.

"There was one flight of Sriwijaya Airlines which was diverted at 8.00 am to Palembang, South Sumatra, due to heavy rain," said Dwi PJ, an air traffic official at Sultan Thaha Syaifuddin Airport here on Sunday.

He said the heavy rain that poured since early morning caused the runway to be slippery, worrying the officials that it could harm plane's landing activities.

According to Dwi, the heavy rain and strong wind occurred briefly and after the rain, the traffic condition at the airport returned to normal.

The diversion of the flight also forced several persons who wanted to pick up their relatives to wait for the return of the flight.

"I want to pick-up my parents from Jakarta, but the official said the flight was diverted to Palembang airport due to heavy rain. I have to wait the flight up to noon," said Rian, a Jambi resident, at the airport. (*/M038)