Eruption of Mount Lewotobi Shuts Down Three Airports, Impacts Over 14,000 Travelers

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Ministry of Transportation has temporarily closed three airports in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, following Mount Lewotobi’s eruption in East Flores Regency. The measure was taken to ensure flight safety amid heightened volcanic activity.

The closed airports are Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport in Maumere (until June 19, 06:00 AM WITA), Soa Airport in Bajawa (until June 18, 05:00 PM WITA), and Haji Hasan Aroeboesman Airport in Ende (until June 19, 07:00 AM WITA).

“So far, there have been three airports closed due to the eruption of Mount Lewotobi,” said Head of Airport Authority Region IV, Cecep Kurniawan, in a written statement on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

Mount Lewotobi erupted seven times between June 17 and 18, sending ash columns up to 10,000 meters high. The volcano’s alert level has been raised to Level IV.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has coordinated with BMKG, AirNav Indonesia, airport operators, airlines, and other stakeholders. AirNav reported ash spreading between 10,000 and 53,000 feet, driven by winds of 10 to 25 knots.

A total of 26 flights, 12 international and 14 domestic, were affected, impacting over 14,000 passengers. The largest disruption was at Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, affecting 10,560 passengers, followed by Labuan Bajo (2,166), Lombok (772), and Maumere (451).

Operational disruptions also occurred in Kupang, Sabu, Bajawa, and Ende. Cecep assured that rerouting, rescheduling, and refund options are available.

Director General of Civil Aviation Lukman F. Laisa emphasized safety and comfort remain top priorities.

“We continue to monitor and make operational adjustments based on the latest data. Passenger safety is the primary basis for every decision,” he said.

He urged airline operators and airports to compensate affected passengers as per regulations. To assist travelers, some airlines in Labuan Bajo are working with the Port Authority to offer sea transport as an alternative.

AirNav Indonesia has implemented contingency navigation procedures and is keeping I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport operational 24 hours.

“The Ministry of Transportation will continue cross-sector coordination to ensure safe and smooth flight operations during this emergency,” Lukman added.

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