Exposed To Lewotobi Eruption Ash, Komodo Airport Temporarily Closes

The passenger arrival atmosphere at the arrival terminal of Komodo Labuan Bajo Airport (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Komodo Labuan Bajo Airport in West Manggarai Regency (Mabar), East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) was temporarily closed again after the paper test results on Saturday (9/11) showed positive results exposed to the volcanic ash distribution of Mount Lewotobi Laki.

"Komodo Airport is being affected by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Male where volcanic ash has entered the flight airway and also the airport based on the paper test has tested positive," said Head of the Komodo Labuan Bajo Airport Organizing Unit (UPBU) Ceppy Triono as quoted from ANTARA, Saturday 9 November 2024.

He added that 16 flights to a number of areas were canceled and four flights on Sunday (10/11) were postponed.

"A number of flights canceled today as announced," he said.

He also explained that the official notification (NOTAM) for airport closure had been issued. Komodo Labuan Bajo Airport closed on October 9-10, 2024.

"NOTAM Close starts at 12.00 WITA until 15.00 WITA and is currently being extended from NOTAM Close to 07.00 WITA tomorrow morning," he explained.

Airport authorities will periodically conduct a paper test to ensure Komodo Airport and flights to and from Labuan Bajo are free from the spread of volcanic ash from Mount Lewotobi Laki.

Separately, the Head of Komodo Meteorological Station Maria Seran said, based on BMKG monitoring and forecasts for volcanic ash movement, since Saturday morning the spread of volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Male has reached the West Manggarai airspace and has even dropped to the ground.

"This was confirmed through the results of the paper test conducted by Komodo Airport," he said.

Visual observations made by BMKG Komodo weather observers, he continued, were observed that vertical visibility appeared more blurred than usual. This is indicated by the sky which is usually blue but since the morning before noon it began to look gray, looking like a smooth particle is blocking visibility.

"For this reason, we urge people in West Manggarai to be able to wear masks while outside the room to protect themselves from exposure to volcanic ash and maintain respiratory health," he said.

He also hopes that the rain that falls can help reduce and shed volcanic ash in the airspace, so that flights from and to Labuan Bajo can return to normal soon.

Previously, due to the spread of volcanic ash from Mount Lewotobi, the man at Komodo Labuan Bajo Airport was temporarily closed on Monday (4/11) and reopened on Tuesday (5/11).