Frans Seda Airport Closed Due to Lewotobi Laki-Laki Eruption

The management of Frans Seda Airport in Maumere, Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, has continued to suspend operations as of Monday (8/6) due to the impact of the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Flores. The Head of the Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Maumere Airport Organising Unit, Partahian Panjaitan, stated on Monday that the closure will remain in effect as long as volcanic ash continues to spread into the local airspace. He noted that the airport is expected to remain closed until 9 June. The closure of Frans Seda Airport began on Friday (5/6) and has persisted through Monday (8/6). The airfield is currently covered in a thick layer of volcanic ash, and the airspace is still considered hazardous for aviation. Airport staff have been attempting to clear the volcanic ash every hour, but the ash quickly accumulates again, obstructing the aircraft landing paths. The Acting General Manager of PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia (Persero) at El Tari Kupang International Airport, Sutrisno, stated that flights between Maumere and Kupang, and vice versa, are temporarily suspended until Tuesday (9/6). This measure has been implemented as a mitigation step to ensure flight safety and operational security. Meanwhile, flight operations at El Tari Kupang International Airport to other destinations are running normally, with passenger services and other flight activities proceeding according to standard procedures. PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia (Persero) at El Tari Kupang International Airport continues to coordinate with airlines, the BMKG (Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency), and airport authority offices. He emphasised that every decision made by stakeholders regarding airport operations is based on the principle of prioritising flight safety and security.