Four airports on Flores Island have been temporarily closed due to the eruption of Mount Lewotobi, which has claimed 10 lives.
The affected airports include H. Hasan Aroeboesman Airport in Ende Regency, Bajawa Soa Airport, Gewayantana Larantuka Airport, and Frans Seda Maumere Airport in Sikka Regency. All of these airports are located in the eastern and central parts of the island. The main tourist hub, Komodo International Airport in Labuan Bajo near the famous Komodo Island, remains operational.
Ende Airport Director Patah Atabri reported, “Flights have been canceled starting today and will remain suspended for the next few days until conditions stabilize.”
Meanwhile, PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia at El Tari Kupang Airport confirmed that several flights were canceled due to the effects of the Mount Lewotobi eruption in East Flores Regency. Wings Air announced a temporary suspension of several domestic flights to the island in response to the eruption, with a total of 18 flights to four Flores airports canceled. The airline has informed passengers of the cancellations, offering refunds or the option to reschedule.
Lion Group Communications Manager Danang Mandala Priharnthoro stated that the cancellations were a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. “Volcanic ash contains very fine yet abrasive particles that can damage essential aircraft components, such as engines and navigation systems. If ash enters an aircraft’s engines, it can cause severe damage and potentially lead to sudden engine failure.
Additionally, ash particles in the air can reduce visibility, complicate aircraft maneuvering, and jeopardize overall flight safety.”
If you have travel plans to Komodo or Flores in the coming days, monitor updates from your airline’s information services, as further cancellations or delays may occur. Airlines typically send out alerts in such situations, though notifications may not always reach everyone promptly.
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