LARANTUKA, Indonesia — The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki on Sunday has forced the temporary closure of Gewayantana Airport in Larantuka, East Flores, disrupting regional air travel in eastern Indonesia as volcanic ash once again affects aviation operations.
Airport authorities confirmed that Gewayantana Airport was officially closed on Sunday, July 19, under a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued following the eruption.
“Gewayantana Airport is closed today based on the NOTAM,” said airport chief Puguh Lukito.
The closure immediately affected two Wings Air ATR 72 flights operating the Kupang–Larantuka and Larantuka–Kupang routes, leaving passengers to await further updates from the airline.
Ash Clouds Trigger Aviation Precautions
Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted at approximately 10:11 a.m. Central Indonesia Time (WITA). According to Indonesia’s volcanology agency, the eruption lasted about one minute and 26 seconds, with monitoring instruments recording a maximum seismic amplitude of 29.6 millimeters.
While the eruption was relatively brief, volcanic ash poses a serious hazard to aircraft engines and visibility, prompting authorities to suspend airport operations as a precaution.
Volcanic ash can damage jet engines, reduce pilot visibility, and interfere with aircraft systems, making temporary airport closures a standard safety response whenever ash clouds drift into flight paths.
Volcano Remains on Alert Level III
Indonesia’s Geological Agency said Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki remains at Alert Level III (Siaga), the country’s second-highest volcanic alert status.
Officials have urged residents, visitors, and tourists to avoid all activities within a five-kilometer (3.1-mile) radius of the crater due to the ongoing volcanic activity.
People living in areas affected by ashfall have also been advised to wear face masks or other coverings over the nose and mouth to reduce the risk of respiratory irritation caused by fine volcanic particles.
Authorities further encouraged residents to remain calm, follow instructions from the East Flores regional government, and rely only on information released through official channels.
What Travelers Should Know
Although Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport has not been affected by this latest eruption, travelers planning to visit Flores, Komodo National Park, or other destinations in eastern Indonesia should monitor airline updates, as volcanic activity can change rapidly depending on wind direction and ash dispersion.
Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most active volcanic regions, and temporary airport closures due to volcanic eruptions are an established part of aviation safety procedures.
Passengers booked on flights to or from Larantuka are advised to check directly with their airline before traveling to the airport, as flight schedules may remain subject to change while authorities continue to assess volcanic conditions.
