Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted again on Tuesday (November 12, 2024), disrupting air travel in East Nusa Tenggara and causing Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo to close once more. The eruption sent volcanic ash high into the sky and impacted airport operations, leading to precautionary closures and travel disruptions for many.
According to an official statement from Komodo Airport Management Unit (UPBU), Komodo Airport remains closed until 8:00 PM local time on Wednesday, as ash from the ongoing eruption has spread over the area.
“Flight operations are expected to return to normal once the situation stabilizes,” UPBU Komodo stated on Wednesday.
The Komodo Airport closure was issued in the latest NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) No.A3595/24 NOTAMN, following a temporary reopening on Tuesday under Notam A3570/24 NOTAMC A3561/24. However, all scheduled flights were suspended due to continuing ash hazards, even after the airport briefly resumed operations.
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In the wake of the eruption, H. Hasan Aroeboesman Airport in Ende also announced several flight cancellations on Wednesday, affecting services by both Wings Air and Susi Air. Canceled arrivals included Wings Air flights from Kupang and Labuan Bajo, as well as a Susi Air flight from Sabu. Meanwhile, Wings Air flights to Labuan Bajo and Kupang, along with Susi Air flights to Sabu, were delayed for departure.
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, located in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, intensified its activity with this recent eruption, reaching alert level IV (Awas). The ash plume soared to an estimated height of 9,000 meters (9 kilometers).
The eruption also unleashed molten lava that cascaded down the mountain, spreading into five villages at the base and splitting into two distinct flows.
This eruption is a reminder of the region’s volcanic activity and highlights the caution necessary for travel in such areas. As the situation develops, officials and travelers alike remain on alert, hoping for conditions to improve soon to allow the return of regular flight operations.
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