Ende Earthquake: Lion Group Delays Flights for Passenger Safety

The earthquake that struck Ende, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), has directly affected flight operations for Lion Group. The temporary closure of the airport by its operator has triggered schedule delays and disrupted aircraft rotation.

Lion Group President Director Capt. Daniel Putut Kuncoro Adi confirmed that the flight delays were caused by aftershocks that occurred in the morning. He stressed that there is currently no option for flight cancellation.

“Several flights were directly affected, such as today’s earthquake in Ende. When passengers were at the airport, the airport was declared closed by the airport operator, which automatically affected aircraft rotation. However, for now flights are mostly delayed, with no cancellations yet,” Daniel said while dispatching humanitarian aid to NTT at Juanda International Airport in Sidoarjo Regency on Monday (17/8).

In addition to H. Hasan Aroeboesman Airport in Ende, several surrounding areas such as Atambua and Maumere are also under operational monitoring. The airline is temporarily suspending departures until the airport operator confirms that all vital infrastructure—from the runway to the terminal building—is in safe condition.

Daniel emphasised that safety and security are the airline’s top priorities in dealing with emergency disaster situations.

“We ensure the safety and security of passengers and aircraft, whether landing or flying, remain safe. If the airport operator announces a closure, we will follow that directive,” Daniel stressed.

Flight operations are planned to resume gradually once inspections of airport facilities are completed and approval is obtained from local aviation authorities.