SEAToday.com, Jakarta-Komodo International Airport in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), was temporarily closed due to the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki on Sunday (11/3) night. This decision was carried out following the results of the paper test at around 4 PM central Indonesian time on Monday (11/4), which showed positive exposure to the volcanic ash spread of the mountain.

“If the paper test (result) is positive, no (aircraft) can fly. Once the paper test is concluded, there will be a collaborative decision making, there will be me, the head of the airport, (people) from Airnav, airlines, meteorology, to convey when we will issue an official notification (Notem) for aircraft that will fly,” Komodo Airport Operator Unit (UPBU) Head Ceppy Triono said on Monday (11/4) evening.

He explained that airport authorities have periodically conducted paper tests since this morning until 8 PM central Indonesian time, with following results: 

• 4 PM: A positive result of volcanic ash, leading to the implementation of flight safety and safeguarding protocols
• 6 PM: The exposure of volcanic ash had begun to decrease
• 8 PM: The exposure of volcanic ash had significantly decreased

Even though the latest test conducted at 8 PM has shown significant reduction of volcanic ash, they will still refer to the issued Notem to keep doing further tests until 7 AM to ensure flight safety. Later after the test, they will issue another Notem declaring whether the airport is safe for flights or not.

He further added that through a joint coordination between the Airport Authority Office and airport heads in NTT and West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), they agreed that checking flight conditions has now become a priority.

Even though the weather satellite showed that the entire Flores Island and part of Timor was contaminated, the paper test taken at 2 PM showed negative results of volcanic ash. Nonetheless, four airlines decided to cancel their flights to Labuan Bajo due to safety reasons.

Writer: Adilah Izzatuddiny