Indonesia: Flight disruption due to haze September 13 /update 2

Event

Severe flight disruptions have been reported in Riau and Jambi provinces on Friday, September 13, as visibility drops to 300 m (0.19 mi) due to haze. The Pekamburu (PKU) and Dumai (DUM) airports have recorded significant delays. Media reports also indicated that other airports have been closed in Sumatra island on Friday. Additional flight delays and cancelations are possible in the coming days.

Hazy conditions (dust, smoke, and vapor) have reduced visibility and have created health hazards in multiple provinces, notably in the Jambi and Riau provinces due to ongoing large-scale forest and agricultural fires in Sumatra and Borneo islands, where 3600 fires were recorded on Thursday, September 12, by the Indonenian Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB). Air quality has dropped to hazardous levels across Jambi and Riau, reaching a peak in Jabungtimur (Jambi) on Friday afternoon (local time) with an Air Pollution Index (API) of 445; schools were ordered to remain closed in the area.

Context

Indonesia frequently experiences air pollution (haze) caused by forest fires between June to October. An API reading of 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 moderate, and 101-200 unhealthy.

Advice

Individuals present in Indonesia are advised to monitor Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) updates and health advisories issued by the Indonesian Department of Environment. Seek medical assistance if needed and confirm flight reservations.