Ngurah Rai Airport In Bali Resumes Operations

Kuta (Antara Bali)- State-owned airport operator PT Angkas Pura I has reopened the Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, after it was closed on Sunday due to volcanic ash from the erupting Mount Baruraji in neighboring Lombok, West Nusa Tenngara.

"The airport has resumed operations starting 6:45 a.m. Central Indonesian Standard Time because the Barujari volcanic ash has blown away from Bali according to the meteorology office," Co-General Manager of PT Angkasa Pusa I of the Ngurah Rai airport I Gusti Ngurah Ardita said here, Monday.

The airport operator and regulator, the meteorology office and other concerned institutions will make an hourly evaluation to see the weather pattern, according to him.

The airport authorities have issued a notice to airmen (Notam) No. C-2527/15 regarding the airport`s reopening.

The Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali was closed again from 09.45 p.m. on Sunday as volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Barujari moved in the direction of the resort island.

The closure has been notified to all flight personnel, Sherly Yunita, spokesperson of state owned company PT Angkasa Pura I which operates the airport, said on Sunday.

"Notam number A2524/15 has been issued," Yunita said.

In its website on Sunday, the airport also announced the closure.

"Because of the matter, all flights from and to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport have been cancelled until further notice," she said.

Earlier, the Bali airport authorities closed down the airport on Tuesday and decided to extend its closure period until Friday morning.

However, the airport resumed operations on Thursday afternoon after it was declared normal to operate.

The decision to reopen the airport was also based on the fact that the airport was clear of any volcanic ash.

Despite being reopened on Thursday at 02.30 p.m. local time, the airport has not been operating fully, with 19 international flights being cancelled on Friday. (WDY)