Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - Haze from forest and land fires delayed several flights from Sentani International Airport in Jayapura District to Timika, Wamena, and Sorong in Indonesia’s Papua region, airport officials said.
Syahrial, Sentani International Airport’s public relations officer, told reporters in Jayapura on Monday that several airlines had delayed departures because smoke was affecting conditions at destination airports.
“Departures were indeed delayed because of forest and land fire smoke, particularly on flights from Sentani to Timika, Wamena, and Sorong,” he said.
The affected airlines included Lion Air, Garuda Indonesia, Wings Air, Trigana Air, and Sriwijaya Air, Syahrial said.
Affected flights included Lion Air JT985 and Garuda Indonesia GA653 (Jayapura-Timika, DJJ-TIM); Wings Air IW1635 (Jayapura-Wamena, DJJ-WMX); Lion Air JT799 (Jayapura-Sorong, DJJ-SOQ); and Sriwijaya Air SJ876 (DJJ-WMX) and SJ789 (DJJ-TIM).
Passengers waited at Sentani International Airport in Jayapura District for updates on the delayed flights.
Meanwhile, Irwan Rochendi, Trigana Air’s deputy area manager for Papua, said separately that flights to Wamena resumed on Monday, October 12, after earlier delays.
“Flights to Wamena, including passenger and cargo services, operated around noon local time after being delayed,” Irwan said.
Flights to Dekai were also delayed, as were services to South Papua destinations including Tanah Merah in Boven Digoel District, Merauke, Mappi District, and Ewer in Asmat District.
“Flights to Tanah Merah have been suspended since Friday, October 9, because visibility was only around 300 meters,” Irwan said.
Related news: Central Papua steps up patrol, prevent forest fire
Related news: Health Ministry expands healthcare services in Papua Highlands
Related news: Indonesia eyes direct flights between Papua, Papua New Guinea
Translator: Evarukdijati, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2026