LABUAN BAJO, RAKYAT NEWS – A total of 30 flights from Komodo Labuan Bajo Airport were canceled due to volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in Nusa Tenggara Timur.

The temporary closure of the airport, lasting until 8:00 PM local time on November 10, 2024, was confirmed by Ceppy Triono, Head of the Komodo Airport Operations Unit.

Ceppy explained that the closure was a precautionary measure taken after a Collaborative Decision-Making (CDM) meeting involving the airport authorities, AirNav, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), and airline operators. The volcanic ash cloud, emanating from Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, covered the airspace above Flores Island, posing a significant risk to air traffic.

Maria Seran, Head of the Komodo Meteorological Station, provided further insights, stating that satellite monitoring had shown the volcanic ash spreading across the airspace of Manggarai Barat in West Flores. The ash cloud, which had intensified in the past few hours, was also heading south towards Sumba Island and the eastern parts of Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB). BMKG officials advised the local population to wear masks when outdoors due to the persistent ash fallout.

“Given the continuous monitoring of the volcanic eruption, the closure of the airport was necessary to ensure the safety of flights and passengers,” Ceppy stated. The airport had previously been closed for a similar reason following another eruption on November 4, 2024, reopening on November 5. The recent closure, which started on November 9, marks the second temporary halt in less than a week due to the volcanic activity.

 

BMKG has been closely monitoring the eruption, and while the ashfall in Manggarai Barat is less dense than in other areas of Flores, health precautions have been advised. The authorities are concerned about the long-term health effects of ash inhalation on residents and visitors in the affected areas.

The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, which has been active for several weeks, has caused significant disruptions to travel in the region. The local government and airport authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and further delays or cancellations are possible depending on the development of the volcanic activities

In addition to the disruptions in air travel, BMKG has issued a warning for the local population in affected areas, particularly Manggarai Barat, urging them to take respiratory precautions. The authorities emphasized that the volcanic ash, though lighter in some areas, could still pose a risk to health, especially for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.

The closure of Komodo Airport has had a significant impact on tourism, with many travelers heading to Labuan Bajo, a popular tourist destination, for its proximity to the Komodo National Park. The airport closure has left many stranded, affecting not only the local tourism industry but also businesses relying on regular flights to the region.

Despite the challenges posed by the eruption, authorities remain optimistic about the effectiveness of safety measures. Ceppy Triono assured the public that the airport would resume operations once the volcanic ash had cleared and it was deemed safe for air traffic. However, he also acknowledged that further closures might be necessary if the eruption continues to affect the region. (Uki Ruknuddin)

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