An airport ground-handling authority confirmed on Monday that King Salman would depart on March 9, as scheduled, refuting earlier reports that there had been a change in his schedule.

PT Jasa Angkasa Semesta (JAS) Area II general manager Heri Lukmanto said that as of Monday there had been no schedule changes for King Salman’s visit to Bali. As was originally scheduled, King Salman will leave on Thursday, March 9.

Another ground-handling officer revealed Sunday that the Saudi planes would depart on March 11, suggesting that the King and his entourage might have prolonged his stay.

“Until now, we haven’t received any official notice about any schedule change from the Foreign Ministry. As per the original schedule, King Salman and his entourage return on the 9th,” said Heri as quoted by kompas.com, Monday.

PT JAS is a ground handling company for flight handling, which Saudi Arabian Airlines (SV) entrusted to manage the ground handling of the Saudi King’s flights in Indonesia.

Heri said the group departing on March 9 would comprise King Salman himself, ministers and princes who came with the king. Other members of his entourage will gradually return until March 12.

However, he added that his company was always ready for any schedule changes, whether it be a shortening or extension of the king’s holiday. (dis/wit)