Flights to and from Labuan Bajo have resumed normal operations following a temporary disruption caused by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki on Tuesday, June 17, at 5:35 PM local time. The active volcano, located in East Flores Regency, spewed a towering ash column exceeding 11 kilometers, prompting airlines and aviation authorities to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
According to the latest statement from Komodo International Airport officials, flight schedules to and from Labuan Bajo have fully normalized as of Wednesday, June 18. Despite a series of cancellations and delays the day prior, the airport is now operating as usual.
Mount Lewotobi Eruption: A Major Volcanic Event in Eastern Flores
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, one of the two twin volcanoes in East Flores, underwent a significant eruption on Tuesday, June 17 sending volcanic ash high into the atmosphere. The eruption—classified as explosive—disrupted flight paths over parts of Flores Island, leading to widespread travel disruptions across the region.
Labuan Bajo and Mount Lewotobi: Same Island, Distant Locations
While both Labuan Bajo and Mount Lewotobi are situated on the same island, Flores, they are located approximately 600 kilometers apart. Mount Lewotobi lies on the eastern end of the island, whereas Labuan Bajo, a major tourist hub and gateway to Komodo National Park, is located on the western tip.
Due to this geographic distance, Labuan Bajo was not directly affected by volcanic activity. However, airspace safety protocols required temporary flight suspensions as a precautionary measure against ash contamination along flight routes.
Luchthaven Komodo: 12 vluchten geannuleerd vanwege veiligheidsoverwegingen
De luchthavenautoriteiten van Komodo International Airport hebben gemeld dat op dinsdag 17 juni twaalf vluchten zijn geannuleerd vanwege veiligheidsrisico’s in verband met de uitbarsting. Luchtvaartmaatschappijen zoals Citilink, Lion Air, Batik Air en Wings Air hebben hun vluchten tijdelijk opgeschort om de situatie te beoordelen.
The disruption, however, was short-lived. Following visual monitoring, air quality testing (paper tests), and favorable wind direction moving ash clouds away from Labuan Bajo, authorities gradually resumed operations on Wednesday, June 18.
Andere regionale luchthavens die zwaar zijn getroffen
While Labuan Bajo experienced minimal disruption, central and eastern parts of Flores Island faced more severe impacts. Three regional airports were temporarily shut down due to high ash concentrations:
- Luchthaven Fransiskus Xaverius Seda (Maumere) – gesloten tot 19 juni om 06.00 uur WITA
- Luchthaven Soa (Bajawa) – gesloten tot 18 juni om 17.00 uur WITA
- Luchthaven Haji Hasan Aroeboesman (Ende) – gesloten tot 19 juni om 07.00 uur WITA
According to reports, the closures affected more than 14,000 travelers, including both local residents and international tourists traveling across Flores or en route to Labuan Bajo.
Komodo Island and Labuan Bajo Now: Safe, Comfortable, and Ready for Visitors
The good news is that, following a swift recovery after the eruption, Komodo Airport is back in full operation. Travelers heading to Labuan Bajo can now continue their journeys without significant delays.
Reisorganisaties zoals Komodoo Luxury blijven toeristen op de hoogte houden en ondersteunen. Hun teams ter plaatse staan klaar om te helpen met flexibele reisschema’s, aanpassingen aan reisplannen en, indien nodig, alternatieve vervoersmogelijkheden.
Safe Travel Tips for Labuan Bajo After the Eruption
While the situation has stabilized, here are a few important tips for those planning to visit Labuan Bajo in the near future:
- Houd het weer en de vulkanische activiteit in de gaten: Blijf op de hoogte van de laatste informatie van het Agentschap voor Meteorologie, Klimatologie en Geofysica (BMKG), het PVMBG of de luchthavenautoriteiten voor belangrijke updates.
Maak gebruik van betrouwbare reisorganisaties: Reisorganisaties zoals Komodo Luxury goed voorbereid op onverwachte situaties en bieden flexibele diensten en lokale teams die snel kunnen inspelen op veranderingen. - Houd rekening met extra tijd voor vluchtwijzigingen: zorg ervoor dat u wat extra tijd incalculeert voor het geval het vluchtschema wordt gewijzigd vanwege weersomstandigheden of vulkanische activiteit.
- Overweeg een reisverzekering: extra dekking is handig als je reis vertraging oploopt of wordt geannuleerd.
Flights to Labuan Bajo Are Back to Normal
While the eruption of Mount Lewotobi caused some temporary disruptions to flights across parts of Flores, thanks to quick coordination between airport authorities, airlines, and the BMKG, flights to Labuan Bajo are now operating normally.
For those wanting to explore the beauty of Komodo National Park, visit exotic islands, or enjoy a scenic sailing trip, it’s time to revisit your travel plans.
With the support of professional operators like Komodo Luxury, your trip to Komodo Island and Labuan Bajo will be smoother, safer, and more enjoyable than ever.
