Merauke, Jubi – The Philippines Airlines will be allowed to transit at Mopah Airport for fuel replenishment, but not fly to Papua as a destination, former Merauke Regent Romanus Mbaraka told Jubi on Thursday (16/06/2016).
“I want to tell you the truth about communication with the Indonesian Minister of Transportation. That’s right we wanted some opportunities that the international flights could be stopped at Mopah Airport,” he said.
Apparently, further said Mbaraka, the flight of Philippines Airlines plans to pass Merauke after flying from Manila. However, flying from Manila with full tank, it should reduce the number of passengers and cargo because it’s distant flight.
But there is other strategy, which is flying from Manila with half-full tank by transporting the passengers and cargo but transit in Mopah Airport for fuel replenishment.
“Yes, that’s the strategy I talked to the minister and got a good response. So, it’s not the Philippines Airlines taking the route of domestic flights in Mopah Airport and making it as their destination,” he said.
Meanwhile, one of customary landowner Hendrikus Hengky Ndiken while disband the activities at Mopah Airport some times ago during the socialization phase 1 about the construction of airport’s terminal.
“I dissolve the socialization because there has been no settlement of land compensation for approximately 60 hectares in the airport area. If the government is not yet settle their demand, he will blockage this area,” he said. (Ans K/rom)
