BIJB Operator Makes Preparations Before Becoming a Diversionary Landing Airport

A number of preparations have been carried out by the operator of West Java International Airport (BIJB) Kertajati before receiving aircraft landings. BIJB Kertajati has become the alternate airport for aircraft landings during the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau.

On Sunday (6/9), two aircraft from the airline Garuda Indonesia landed at BIJB Kertajati. Previously, both aircraft, which were carrying passengers from Madinah and Jeddah, had been scheduled to land at Soekarno-Hatta Airport (Soetta). However, due to volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau’s activity, Soetta Airport was temporarily closed.

In the end, BIJB Kertajati was chosen to receive the two aircraft.

Garuda Indonesia flight GA 961 from Madinah arrived first at 14.25 WIB at Kertajati Airport, carrying 356 passengers.

It was followed by the landing of Garuda Indonesia flight GA 983 from Jeddah at 15.00 WIB, carrying 307 passengers.

“Thank God, all of them were able to land safely,” said the Executive General Manager of BIJB Kertajati, Nuril Huda.

He explained that before declaring itself ready to receive aircraft landings, the airport had first carried out a number of preparations, covering both personnel readiness and airport facilities. In addition, the Kertajati Airport operator also conducted paper tests to check for the presence and distribution of volcanic ash particles in the air.

The ash tests were carried out on the runway, on the apron, and at designated points to confirm that it was not volcanic ash.

“Because if it were volcanic ash, it would be extremely dangerous for aircraft,” said Huda.

The results of the paper test showed that BIJB Kertajati was clear of the ash distribution, making it safe for landings.

BIJB Kertajati was ultimately declared ready and safe for aircraft landings. The diversion of landings to BIJB Kertajati was the result of coordination between AirNav, the Ministry of Transport, and the airlines concerned.