Indonesia optimistic passenger numbers will grow despite eruptions

Indonesian Transport Ministry stated it remains optimistic domestic passenger numbers will grow by 15% this year, despite the increasing number of flight cancellations due to ash clouds from Mount Merapi (The Jakarta Globe, 09-Nov-2010). The ministry expects 48.2 million domestic passengers and 5.5 million international passengers through the country's airports this year, up from 43.8 million domestic and 5.0 million international passengers in 2009. Indonesia National Air Carriers Association (Inaca) also stated the volcanic activity would not affect passenger growth this year, with less than 1% of total passenger numbers from Yogyakarta Adisucipto International Airport to be affected by the flight cancellations.