KUCHING: Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia have cancelled several flights for routes between Sabah, Sarawak and Kuala Lumpur International Airport following the eruption of Mount Ruang in Indonesia.
According to Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the situation has caused an unexpected congestion at the Kuching International Airport.
“I believe this is a temporary measure, as the airlines need to ensure that the flights can be operated safely. Debris from the volcanic eruption will have an impact on the visibility of the pilots.
“So, for the safety of passengers, they need to take precautionary measures. This is an unexpected incident,” he said.
He said this to reporters at a ‘Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri’ programme held at the Penview Convention Centre in Kuching on Thursday.
For the record, Malaysia Airlines cancelled 19 flights whereas AirAsia cancelled 16 flights today. -UKASnews
