Mount Lewotobi Eruption Shuts Down Four Airports, Disrupting Regional Travel

SEAToday.com, Kupang – The Indonesian Aviation Navigation Service Provider Corporation (LPPNPI) or AirNav Indonesia’s Kupang Branch has announced that four airports on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), are temporarily closed following the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki, which resulted in 10 fatalities.

“There are four airports closed due to the Mount Lewotobi eruption,” stated I Nyoman Oka Wiraman, General Manager of AirNav Kupang Branch, on Monday.

The eruption on Sunday night (11/3) caused significant damage to several homes, school buildings, and dormitories in the area. The affected airports are H Hasan Aroeboesman Airport in Ende Regency, Soa Bajawa, Gewayantana Larantuka, and Frans Seda Maumere Airport in Sikka Regency.

According to him, Frans Seda Maumere Airport has been closed for almost two months due to the ongoing impact of the eruption, while the other three airports ceased operations temporarily following a notification from Wings Air, which canceled several flights to these locations due to concerns over volcanic ash affecting flight safety.

Ende Airport’s head, Patah Atabri, explained that technically, Ende Airport is not closed; however, airlines have chosen to cancel flights to the area as the volcanic ash, propelled by the eruption at 4:30 a.m. WITA, has reduced visibility for pilots.

“Flights have been canceled starting today and will remain so until conditions improve,” he stated.