Transportation Ministry Ensures Kualanamu Airport Operations Normal

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Ministry of Transportation has confirmed that flight operations at Kualanamu International Airport in North Sumatra are operating normally amid Mount Sinabung's volcanic activity and the potential spread of volcanic ash. Director General of Civil Aviation at the Ministry of Transportation Lukman F. Laisa said that based on monitoring conducted until 4 p.m. local time on Wednesday, September 2, no volcanic ash was detected at Kualanamu International Airport.

“Based on monitoring on Wednesday at 4 p.m., no volcanic ash was detected at Kualanamu International Airport. This was confirmed by the absence of volcanic ash in the paper test,” Lukman said in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

He explained that volcanic ash monitoring using the paper test was carried out at Kualanamu International Airport from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time.

Meanwhile, based on Significant Meteorological Information (SIGMET) issued by the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) Darwin, Mount Sinabung's eruption activity was observed on September 2, 2026, with volcanic ash clouds reaching an altitude of up to 14,000 feet. The volcanic ash clouds were moving southwest at a speed of around five knots and were forecast to remain at the same intensity without significant changes. The SIGMET was valid from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. local time on September 2, 2026.

Lukman said the situation remains a focus of flight safety monitoring, particularly due to possible changes in wind direction and speed that could affect the movement of volcanic ash and flight routes. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation receives information on Mount Sinabung's activity from sources including VAAC Darwin and forecasters at the Meteorological Station. The information is used as a basis for coordination and mitigation measures with airport operators, airlines, and other relevant stakeholders.

Previously, on September 1, 2026, a thin layer of volcanic ash was detected in the aircraft parking area at Kualanamu International Airport. As a precautionary measure, airport operations were temporarily suspended on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, under NOTAM A3250/26.

Airport operations were subsequently resumed under NOTAM A3254/26 and NOTAMC A3251/26, while continuing to take into account the results of aerodrome inspections and the latest information on volcanic ash. The airport closure on September 1 resulted in 45 flight cancellations, while six other flights were rescheduled.

“Flight safety remains our top priority. We continue to closely monitor developments in Mount Sinabung's activity and the movement of volcanic ash. If there are any changes that could affect flight safety, mitigation measures will be taken immediately as necessary,” Lukman said.

The Ministry of Transportation also said airlines have the authority to evaluate and assess their flight operations based on actual conditions. Such evaluations may include schedule adjustments, delays, or flight cancellations when necessary to ensure flight safety.