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This morning Lombok Praya Airport Operates Normally

 

LOMBOK, November 28, 2017 - This morning at 05:58 local time (WITA) Lombok Praya International Airport returned to normal operations. While Ngurah Rai Airport Bali is closed for another 24 hours, tourists can access or depart Bali via Lombok.

This is based on a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) number B8926/17 issued by AirNav Indonesia.

"Last night, Lombok Airport was closed again as the air space was affected by volcanic ash. But after observing the current situation, it was decided that Lombok Airport will return to normal operations starting Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at 05:58 WITA," said Airnav Indonesia Operations Director Wisnu Darjono, Wednesday (28/11).

With the re-opening of Lombok Praya Airport, flights to and from Lombok can already be served.  Nevertheless, he continued, it is still closely monitoring all developments related to the activities of Mount Agung. He said AirNav continued to coordinate with the Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG), the Centre of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) and the Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (DVAAC). In addition, a test paper was conducted to monitor the condition in the field.

"We opened crisis centers in Jakarta and Denpasar. We monitor all 24 hour developments with regulators and all relevant stakeholders. We urge the public to continue to monitor the development of information as  we will deliver all the developments to the public," said Wishnu.

Head of Tourism Services for West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Faozal added, the atmosphere in Lombok remains safe and ready to receive tourists. In the case of tourists who were cancelled to fly in Bali, they can fly via Lombok.

"The hotel industry in Lombok is also ready with the scheme requested by Tourism Minister Arief Yahya, that those affected by (the airport) cancellation will get free accommodation for one day, the rest 50% discount," said Lalu Faozal.

The industry in Lombok is also aware that force majeur is not a mistake of the tourists. No one can predict exactly when an eruption will be. "That's why we got together with the Lombok tourism industry, and they welcomed the scheme requested by Tourism Minister Arief Yahya, the same as in Bali," he explained.

The scheme in question facilitates tourists who were trapped due to the closure of Ngurah Rai airport.  Those who should go home but cannot leave, may go to Lombok, with 100% free accommodation on the first day, and then 50% discount.

Lombok also provides free transportation from the hotel, airport and harbor. Even the Lombok Tourism Service together with the industry will bring tourists to see and enjoy some destinations that have been prepared in Lombok, so they won’t get too tired waiting for flights.

GIPI Bali with Badung regency is more aggressive in serving foreign tourists. They are looking for all tourists who were "forced to stay" at Ngurah Rai Airport Bali. They prepared free accommodation, even up to 2 days, until the airport opens. "We want to provide the best service for foreign tourists who have been to Bali," said Gus Agung Chairman of GIPI Bali.