Several Airports Temporarily Closed Due to Mount Lewotobi Eruption in East Nusa Tenggara

The volcano, which currently holds an Alert Level IV status, erupted with a dense ash column reaching 6 kilometers high, drifting northwest as observed at 8:50 a.m. local time. The spread of ash has posed serious risks to aviation, particularly in the airspace above Flores Island, prompting authorities to take immediate action to protect passengers and air traffic.

Hermana Soegijantoro, Corporate Secretary of AirNav Indonesia, stated that an ASHTAM (volcanic ash notice to air missions) numbered VAWR 0473 was issued to update on the affected airports and ensure adherence to aviation safety protocols. “The closures are in place at multiple airports in accordance with aviation safety procedures and will remain until conditions are declared safe,” said Hermana.

According to the notice, Komodo Labuan Bajo Airport, one of the busiest airports in the region, has been closed until 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, affecting a total of 30 flights, including 24 cancellations and 4 delays. 

Other affected airports include Bajawa Airport, which is closed until 5:00 p.m.; Frans Sales Lega Airport, closed until 1:00 p.m.; and H. Hasan Ende Airport, closed until Monday, November 11, at 6:00 a.m. Similarly, Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport in Maumere will remain closed until Monday morning as well.

Ceppy Triono, Head of the Komodo Labuan Bajo Airport Management Unit, noted that the closures were necessary to ensure flight safety, given the current ash dispersion patterns. “With volcanic ash affecting the entire airspace above Flores, we are compelled to close the airport temporarily until the situation stabilizes,” Triono stated. 

He emphasized that the airport closure involved coordination between the airport authorities, AirNav, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), and airlines.

Maria Seran, Head of the Komodo Meteorological Station, further explained that real-time satellite data from BMKG had revealed the continuous spread of ash in the West Manggarai airspace, necessitating the precautionary closure. 

“The ash is spreading further south, reaching Sumba Island and parts of West Nusa Tenggara, posing a risk to both health and aviation,” she said. BMKG has advised residents in the area to wear masks outdoors as a safety measure against potential respiratory issues caused by volcanic ash.

The Komodo Labuan Bajo Airport was previously closed on Monday (Nov 4) and reopened briefly on Tuesday (Nov 5), with this latest closure marking the second time within the week. AirNav Indonesia, in collaboration with other stakeholders, continues to monitor the eruption’s developments closely to ensure the safety and security of flights in the affected regions. 

“We will work in synergy with relevant authorities to provide timely updates and ensure appropriate security measures are implemented for aviation in impacted areas,” Hermana concluded. 

This series of closures and disruptions underscores the critical need for heightened vigilance and swift action in response to volcanic activity, as NTT's authorities continue to prioritize the health and safety of residents and travelers. *ant