Antara 12 Sep 13;
Medan, N Sumatra (ANTARA News) - Haze blanketed Kualanamu Airport in North Sumatra Province on Thursday morning, disrupting several flight schedules because of the low visibility in the area.
"The fog has led to low visibility, with a range of 300 meters, around the airport. Trees in the area have increased the density of the fog," said General Manager of Airnav in Kualanamu Airport Susanto here on Thursday.
However, Susanto noted that the fog had thinned out at 8:30 a.m., and several flights had made a successful landing since then.
He pointed out that flight delays were the result of decisions made by individual pilots, who have to evaluate the safety of flying in such conditions.
"We prioritize the safety of the flights and their passengers," Susanto stated.
Meanwhile, the flight delays have also affected the contingent of the Indonesian Press Association (PWI), who are scheduled to attend the National Sports Media Championship in Banjarmasin of S Kalimantan.
"We are aboard the Lion Air plane, JT-381, (which was supposed to take off at) 06:30, and the pilot has cancelled the take-off due to low visibility," explained Antara News Agency Bureau Chief for N Sumatra Simon Pramono.
He said the Lion Air pilot had asked the passengers to wait in the airport`s departure terminal until the visibility improved.
"The pilot decided to cancel the flight and asked us to wait in the terminal," Pramono remarked.
EDITED BY INE
Editor: Ella Syafputri
