Wings Air has canceled all flights between Kupang and Gewayantana Airport in Larantuka for a full week due to the ongoing eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, affecting travelers moving through eastern Indonesia’s Flores region from Saturday, July 25 through Friday, July 31, 2026.
Official Confirmation of the Cancellation
The cancellation was confirmed in a letter numbered 167/IW/LKAKK/VII/2026, obtained by detikBali from Gewayantana Airport Head Puguh Lukito.
“In connection with the eruption of Mount Lewotobi, we hereby announce the cancellation of Wings Air flights from July 25 to July 31 at Gewayantana Airport, Larantuka,” said Wings Air Deputy Manager Lily Kusmiati in the letter. “Cancel flight due to force majeure,” she added.
The Airport Itself Remains Open
Puguh Lukito clarified that despite the flight cancellations, Gewayantana Airport is currently operating normally. “The airport’s closure status depends on the actual impact of the eruption. According to Wings Air’s letter, the airline itself will not operate between July 25 and 31, this does not mean the airport has been closed,” he told detikBali.
According to Puguh, the airport’s official status remains normal for now. “However, if volcanic ash spreads and covers the airport’s airspace, a closure status will then be requested,” he said.
What This Means for Travelers in Eastern Indonesia
For travelers with connections through Larantuka, whether heading toward Flores’ interior, Komodo National Park via alternative routes, or other parts of eastern Nusa Tenggara, this cancellation affects a key regional air link for a full week. Travelers with existing bookings on the Kupang-Larantuka route should contact Wings Air directly to arrange rebooking or refunds, and should monitor both airline and airport updates closely, since a shift in ash dispersion could still prompt a formal airport closure if conditions worsen.
Volcanic eruptions in this region of Indonesia can affect flight operations well beyond the immediate vicinity of the volcano, given how far ash plumes can travel and the strict aviation safety standards around ash cloud exposure for aircraft engines. Travelers with any upcoming trips through eastern Indonesia’s volcanic regions are advised to build flexibility into their itineraries during periods of heightened volcanic activity.
What’s Next
Wings Air has not indicated whether the suspension could be extended beyond July 31 if Mount Lewotobi’s eruption continues. Airport authorities say they will continue monitoring ash dispersion and update the airport’s operational status accordingly should conditions require a formal closure.
