Padang. Since Thursday afternoon, Minangkabau International Airport (BIM) in Padang Pariaman, West Sumatra, has been shuttered as a precaution against the dispersion of volcanic ash from Mount Marapi, posing potential flight disruptions.

"Due to the spread of volcanic ash reaching Minangkabau International Airport, we need to inform you that BIM Airport is closed starting from 6:00 p.m. Jakarta time today," said Indrawansyah, the Executive General Manager (EGM) of the state-owned airport operator Angkasa Pura II Minangkabau International Airport, on Thursday.

Indrawansyah clarified that the decision to close the airport was prompted by paper test results indicating the presence of volcanic ash in the airport area. This precautionary measure is taken to ensure the safety of air travel, as volcanic ash can pose a threat to aircraft.

This closure represents the fourth instance where the Airport Authority responded to Mount Marapi's volcanic activity. Previously, Minangkabau Airport's operations were temporarily halted on Dec. 22, 2023, Jan. 5, and Jan. 19.

Simultaneously, Mount Marapi experienced eruptions again on Thursday. The observation post of Mount Marapi recorded three eruptions and 42 smoke emissions. Throughout February 2024, there have been 60 eruptions and 1093 smoke emissions in total.

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