Manokwari, W Papua, Oct. 13 -- Rendani Airport in Manokwari, West Papua, is prioritizing flight safety as wildfire smoke from nearby areas and South Papua disrupts visibility and forces delays and cancellations.

Herman Sujito, head of the Rendani Airport Class II Operator Unit, said here Monday that smoke has reduced pilots' visibility below aviation safety requirements, frequently prompting cancellations and schedule changes.

"Since late September and through October, delays and even cancellations have increased because of reduced visibility," he said.

Flights operated normally on Friday, Oct. 9, carrying a total of 599 arriving and departing passengers. But smoke blanketed Rendani Airport again on Saturday, October 10, forcing all fl...