Pigs' stroll stops Wamena flights

Pigs' stroll stops Wamena flights

WAMENA, Irian Jaya: Four airlines have threatened to stop
services to Wamena, Jayawijaya, due to safety concerns with
locals and pigs often found scurrying around the landing strip.

Wamena Airport chief Matius Papare said authorities would do
their best to allay the four airlines' concerns by using a police
vehicle to keep locals off the strip and scare away the pigs.

Antara reported the four airlines threatening to suspend
services are Mission Aviation Fellowship, Merpati, Trigana and
Air Fast.

"Many children and residents cross the airstrip to get to
school or the nearby market," Matius said.

He explained that a fence had been built around the airport to
keep wild animals out, but the fence was often wrecked by locals,
who took the wood. Sometimes in the dry season, the fence would
catch fire.

There are about 80 landings and departures daily at the
airport. (mds)