Airport Official: Kupang-Maumere Flights Canceled Due To Safety Prioritization

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Head of the Class II Airport Administrators Unit (UPBU) Frans Seda Maumere Airport Partaian Panjaitan said the cancellation of flight activities from Kupang to Maumere, Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), which was affected by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki due to prioritizing passenger safety factors.

"The cancellation is due to aspects of aviation safety," said Partadian Panjaitan, quoted from Antara, Sunday, June 30.

He explained that flights from Kupang to Maumere by two airlines were canceled today.

The cancellation of the flight, which has been going on for three days, was due to indications of the spread of volcanic ash from Mount Lewotobi Male in the airspace of Frans Seda Maumere Airport.

Partadian Panjaitan explained that volcanic ash that hit the aircraft engine could have fatal consequences for flight activities.

Therefore, the cancellation must be done because the service prioritizes passenger safety.

"Tomorrow's flight will see the conditions tomorrow," he said.

The Lewotobi Volcano is an active volcano in East Flores Regency which is now at the Level III or Alert level.

The Lewotobi Laki Volcano Observation Post, the Geological Agency, reports that volcanic eruption activity continues to occur every day with heights ranging from 300 meters to 1,000 meters.

The Geological Agency also recommends that people around Mount Lewotobi Male and visitors or tourists do not carry out any activities within a radius of 3 km from the eruption center.

Similar recommendations also apply to sectoral 4 km in the north-northeast direction and 5 km in the northeast sector.