Palangka Raya, C. Kalimantan. Thick smoke from forest and land fires disrupted flight operations at Tjilik Riwut Airport in Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan, on Friday, as sharply reduced visibility forced airlines to suspend takeoffs and landings.

The disruption left passengers uncertain about their departure schedules, including those traveling to Semarang.

“My flight to Semarang was supposed to depart at 9:30 a.m., but there is still no clarity. We have only been told to wait for further information,” a passenger identified as Sri said.

Tjilik Riwut Airport General Manager I Made Darmawan said smoke-related disruptions had occurred repeatedly since early September.

Flight operations came to a complete halt on Thursday when visibility fell to 300 meters. Conditions deteriorated further on Friday morning, with visibility briefly dropping to 150 meters, well below safe operating thresholds for aviation.

Visibility began improving gradually later in the morning, reaching 500 meters at 8:30 a.m., Made said.

“Hopefully, visibility will improve and help flight operations,” he said.

Despite the gradual improvement, no aircraft had been cleared to operate as of Friday afternoon. Delays affected several routes, including flights to Jakarta, Surabaya and Muara Teweh.

Fires Worsen Air Quality

Forest and land fires in Palangka Raya continued to spread, further deteriorating air quality in the city.

Data from the Palangka Raya Disaster Management Agency's (BPBD) wildfire command post showed that more than 1,249 hectares of land had burned as of Sept. 17.

The worst-affected areas included Jekan Raya, Sebangau, Pahandut and Bukit Batu districts.

The city's air pollution index for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) reached 1,094 micrograms per cubic meter, indicating severe air pollution.

Authorities urged residents to limit outdoor activities and wear masks to reduce exposure to smoke, which can increase the risk of acute respiratory infections.

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