Two Flores airports close due to volcanic eruptions

Two airports in Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara province have temporarily suspended operations following eruptions from Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki and Mount Ile Lewotolok. Frans Seda Maumere Airport and Gewayantana Airport in Larantuka are affected by the volcanic activity.

Frans Seda Maumere Airport is closed from Saturday, June 20, until Sunday, June 21, at 6:00 AM WITA. This closure has led to the cancellation of several flights, including Wings Air services connecting Maumere with Kupang and Makassar. The airport had previously experienced a similar closure earlier in the week due to volcanic ash.

Gewayantana Airport in Larantuka has also been temporarily closed since Thursday. Airport head Puguh Lukito stated that the suspension of operations is a direct response to the eruptions and the resulting ashfall from Lewotobi Laki-laki. The airport's status is officially "Aerodrome Closed," with no confirmed reopening date. Passengers are advised to monitor official airline information.

According to the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), Mount Ile Lewotolok became active on June 18, emitting an ash column up to 300 meters high. It is currently at Level II (Waspada/Alert). Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki is at a higher alert level, Level III (Siaga/Standby), with ongoing eruption activity. PVMBG has urged residents to maintain a 5-kilometer radius from the peaks of both volcanoes and to be aware of potential mudflows during heavy rainfall.