KUCHING: Volcanic ash clouds from Mount Ruang in Indonesia cleared in Sarawak by 7 pm and in Borneo by 10 pm on Thursday (April 18), according to a forecast by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).
“Conditions have improved, allowing airlines to resume operations to Sabah and Sarawak as early as 7 pm on Thursday,” said Minister of Transport Sarawak (MOTS), Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, in a statement.
He added that Air Traffic Control in Borneo had extended its operating hours to support recovery efforts.
“CAAM advises airlines and aircraft operators to stay updated on meteorological updates, advisories, and volcanic ash-related information,” he added.
The Ministry of Transport Malaysia (MOT), MOTS, CAAM, the Meteorological Department Malaysia (MET), Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), and airlines are working together to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers.
MOTS has also advised airlines to consider scheduling additional flights or deploying larger aircraft to accommodate passengers stranded during this peak travel period.
Passengers affected by flight cancellations should contact their airlines for updates and assistance.
The eruption of Mount Ruang on Tuesday (Apr 16) prompted MET to issue the highest alert level after observing a smoke column extending 1.6km from the volcano, necessitating evacuations.
In response, CAAM elevated the alert level to four, leading to flight cancellations to Sabah and Sarawak on Thursday.
“It was a natural disaster, which, although causing inconvenience and disappointment to many passengers, necessitates taking precautions and prioritising the safety of the people and passengers,” said Lee.
Volcanic ash clouds could pose significant risks to aircraft engines, systems and avionics including engine failure, reduced visibility and damage to critical components.
