Jakarta. The eruption of Mount Sinabung has disrupted air travel between Jakarta and North Sumatra, forcing the cancellation of 15 flights to and from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and delaying another 14 services.

The volcanic activity has affected operations at Kualanamu International Airport in Deli Serdang, which has been temporarily closed, disrupting flights on the Soekarno-Hatta-Kualanamu route.

As of Sept. 1, a total of 41 flights were scheduled between Soekarno-Hatta and Kualanamu, comprising 20 arrivals and 21 departures. Around 5,350 passengers are estimated to have been affected by the disruptions.

Fifteen flights operating between the two airports were canceled due to force majeure caused by Mount Sinabung's volcanic activity, while another 14 flights were delayed.

The disruption could also lead to further delays, cancellations, and flight diversions, according to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

Yudistiawan, the airport's assistant deputy for communication and legal affairs, said the airport was continuing to coordinate with airlines and other relevant stakeholders to monitor flight conditions and minimize the impact on passengers.

“Mount Sinabung's eruption has affected flights to and from Kualanamu, including services from Soekarno-Hatta Airport. We continue to coordinate with airlines and relevant stakeholders to monitor flight conditions and ensure that passenger services remain properly maintained,” Yudistiawan said Wednesday.

He said the airport would continue taking anticipatory measures to keep operations and passenger services running as smoothly as possible.

Yudistiawan advised passengers traveling to or from Kualanamu to check with their airlines for the latest information on their flight status and schedules.

Add as a preferred source on Google +