Several Towers Cracked, AirNav Ensures Flight Navigation Safe After M7.7 Earthquake Shakes NTT

All flight navigation services are ensured to continue operating optimally amid the impact of the earthquake that occurred in the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) region on Saturday, 15 August 2026. The Indonesian Flight Navigation Service Provider (LPPNPI), or AirNav Indonesia, has confirmed that based on reports from a number of affected flight navigation service facilities, operational services under the coordination of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Transportation, remain under control.

AirNav Indonesia Director Capt Avirianto Suratno stated that the agency is also committed to supporting the smooth evacuation process and distribution of aid via air routes to and from the disaster-affected areas. “Based on the latest reports we have gathered, the impact of the earthquake on AirNav Indonesia facilities includes the Bajawa Unit, Ruteng Unit, Ende Sub-branch, Maumere Unit, and Labuan Bajo Sub-branch. The identified damage includes cracks and damage to several parts of the tower buildings,” he said on Monday, 17 August 2026.

AirNav Indonesia management is prioritising ensuring that flight navigation services can continue to be carried out optimally while maintaining safety aspects. “Meanwhile, AirNav Indonesia facilities in Kupang, Waingapu, Tambolaka, and Denpasar are currently reported to be in safe condition based on temporary monitoring,” he said.

He noted that preparedness measures are being carried out through assessment of facility conditions, implementation of contingency schemes, and service arrangements from locations deemed safe. “Alhamdulillah, all AirNav Indonesia personnel in the affected areas are reported to be safe. Internally, the security and safety of employees is also one of management’s priorities,” he said.

Avirianto added that inspections of building conditions, communication facilities, and flight navigation equipment are still being carried out in stages, taking into account the ongoing aftershocks in several areas. AirNav Indonesia continues to coordinate with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Transportation, and all relevant stakeholders to maintain operational readiness and flight safety.

The support for flight navigation services is an important part of maintaining air connectivity, particularly to support the evacuation of communities, mobilisation of personnel, and distribution of humanitarian aid to and from the affected areas. In line with the disaster management efforts coordinated by the government, AirNav Indonesia continues to monitor conditions on the ground and ensure flight navigation service support for emergency response and recovery needs in the affected areas.