In a press release Benny S. Butarbutar, VP corporate communications at Garuda Indonesia explained that the removal of the Boeing 737 that skidded of the runway at Yogyakarta airport has been completed. But that it took longer than expected.
We experienced problems removing the Boeing 737-800NG (PK-GNK) from the grass and soft soil next to the runway, but a technical team made efforts hardening the soil with a coating of sand and steel plates to facilitate the removal of the Boeing from the runway.
Garuda Indonesia apologized to all stakeholders of the company for the inconvenience, especially the passengers who experienced flight delays and cancellations, because of the aiport closure.
Garuda Indonesia diverted all flights from Adistujito Yogyakarta Airport to Adisumarmo Solo Airport, at Solo Airport passengers were transferred to Yogyakarta by bus.
The airport should be running normally again.
The spokesman said that in addition to an internal investigation, Garuda Indonesia handed over the investigation into the cause “Serious Incident PK-GNK at Adisucipto Airport of Yogyakarta” to the National Transportation Safety Committee (NTSC) and the Directorate of Airworthiness and Aircraft Operation (DKUPPU) in accordance with the civil aviation law.
Garuda Indonesia also thanked the Air Force and the other parties directly involved in the process of removing the aircraft off the runway.
