Five Airports Damaged After Magnitude 7.7 Earthquake in Indonesia's Flores Region

Indonesia's Directorate General of Air Transportation has expressed deep sympathy following a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck off the coast of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara Province on Saturday, August 15, 2026. The earthquake has caused damage to several key transportation hubs in the region.

According to the Directorate General, five airports have been reported as affected by the seismic event. These include Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo, H. Hasan Aroeboesman Airport in Ende, Umbu Mehang Kunda Airport in Waingapu, Frans Sales Lega Airport in Ruteng, and Soa Airport in Bajawa.

Initial reports indicate that damage includes cracks and structural issues in terminal buildings, administration offices, and fire safety facilities at these airports. At Soa Airport in Bajawa, moderate damage to the runway and several supporting buildings has been observed, with new cracks appearing in various locations.

In addition to airport infrastructure, air navigation services have also been impacted. Affected units include the sub-branches in Labuan Bajo and Ende, as well as units in Maumere, Bajawa, and Ruteng. Fortunately, all personnel at these navigation service locations have been reported safe. The Directorate General, along with airport operators and navigation service providers, is continuing to monitor and assess the situation to ensure the safety and resumption of flight operations.