Mount Lewotobi Eruption Forces Closure of Gewayantana Larantuka Airport

Gewayantana Airport in Larantuka, East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, was closed on Sunday following an eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki. The closure was implemented based on a NOTAM.

“The status of Gewayantana Larantuka Airport on Sunday, 19 July 2026, is Aerodrome Closed based on NOTAM,” said Airport Head Puguh Lukito on Sunday.

Puguh stated that the airport closure affected two Wings Air flights using ATR 72 aircraft.

“Wings Air ATR 72 aircraft, Kupang-Larantuka and Larantuka-Kupang routes,” he added.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted at 10:11 Central Indonesia Time. The eruption was recorded on a seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 29.6 mm and lasted approximately 1 minute and 26 seconds.

“The status of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki is at Level III Alert. The public and visitors are advised not to conduct any activities within a 5-kilometre radius of the eruption centre,” said Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki Observation Post Officer Bramantya Aji Putra Mahendra in an official statement on Sunday morning.

Bramantya urged residents affected by ash fall from Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki to wear masks or nose and mouth coverings to avoid the dangers of volcanic ash to the respiratory system.

“The public should remain calm and follow the directives of the East Flores regional government and not believe issues from unclear sources,” he stressed.