Rain closes Jakarta airport

Sukarno Hatta Airport in Jakarta was closed on Friday by Indonesian authorities due to a heavy downpour which limited visibility.

The Jakarta based online news portal, Detik.com, reported that the limited visibility compromised safety.

Detik quoted an official at the Sukarno Hatta Airport named Luki as saying ‘We have delayed more than 120 flights coming in and out of the airport. If rain continues, there will be more flights delayed.’

Parts of Jakarta were inundated by filthy brown water which reached levels of nearly a metre, causing traffic in Jakarta to become seriously congested.

Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, was even forced to switch cars while traveling towards the state palace across the capital.

Indonesia has been hit by heavy rains since Thursday and they are expected to continue until well into Friday night, according to weather forecasters. China is also currently seeing excessive rain.

Those traveling between Thailand and Indonesia are advised to check ahead on the situation or choose another airport before booking tickets.

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