Mount Lewotobi Erupts, Six Flights At El Tari Kupang Airport Affected

Flight (photo: dock. Antara)

JAKARTA - El Tari Kupang Airport, East Nusa Tenggera (NTT) is still operating, after the eruption of Mount Lewotobi. However, there were six flights affected by the eruption.

For your information, the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) of the Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has raised the status of the Lewotobi Male Volcano to Level IV (awas) from Level III (standby). This status increase is in effect on Tuesday 17 June, at 15.00 WITA.

PGS. Legal, Compliance & Stakeholder Relations I Gusti Nugrah Yudi revealed that until 10.30 WITA there were six affected Wings Air flights, namely the Kupang-Ende, Ende-Kupang, Bajawa-Kupang, Kupang-Bajawa, Maumere-Kupang and Kupang-Maumere routes.

"We continue to carry out intensive monitoring of the development of Mount Lewotobi's volcanic activity through coordination with BMKG, AirNav Indonesia, and related airlines," he said in an official statement, Wednesday, June 18.

Yudi also said that until now, there has been no distribution of volcanic ash detected in the airspace around El Tari Kupang Airport which could interfere with flight safety.

"However, we continue to do paper tests as an anticipatory measure," he explained.

Yudi said that as a Mitigation Step, if there is a change in operational conditions at El Tari Kupang Airport, it will provide information on alternative transportation intra NTT.

He also asked airport and public service users to remain calm and always follow official information from the relevant authorities. Recent information regarding flight status can be obtained through the official airline channel or official information service at El Tari Kupang Airport and can contact CC 172.

"El Tari Kupang Airport is committed to prioritizing flight safety and security and always coordinating with all aviation stakeholders in responding to this condition," he said.