Inp.polri.go.id - Manado. The closure of Sam Ratulangi Airport in Manado has been extended until 6 pm on Saturday (4/5/2024) due to volcanic ash from Mount Ruang in Tagulandang, Sitaro Islands regency,  North Sulawesi.

"Tonight, we extend the closure of Samrat Airport due to the continued spread of volcanic ash from Mount Ruang," said Yanti Pramono, the Airport's Public Relations Officer,  on Friday.

Since the closure on Tuesday, a total of 104 flights and 11,345 passengers have been affected, as reported by antaranews.com. 

Yanti explained that passengers must reschedule flights or request refunds from airlines.

The extension was deemed necessary due to the hazardous volcanic ash, which poses a risk to aircraft engines.

Mount Ruang continues to emit volcanic ash since it erupted on 17 and 30 April 2024.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)