Two Kupang–Ende Flights Cancelled Following Flores Earthquake

Two Wings Air flights on the Kupang–Ende route were cancelled after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake shook the Flores Sea on Saturday morning (15/8). General Manager of PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia at El Tari International Airport Kupang, Teguh Darmawan Saiman, said the cancellations were made after the airport and the airline coordinated regarding operational conditions and flight safety aspects.

The two affected flights were Wings Air flight numbers IW 1831 and IW 1957. A total of 126 passengers were impacted by the cancellations.

“The decision to cancel flights is the authority of the airline, taking into account operational conditions as well as flight safety and security aspects,” Teguh said in a written statement on Saturday.

Teguh said Wings Air would provide ticket refunds to all passengers affected by the cancellations.

Meanwhile, El Tari International Airport Kupang is confirmed to be operating normally. Facilities, main equipment and operational support at the airport were not affected by the earthquake.

In addition to Ende, the airport is still coordinating regarding the operational conditions of several destination airports, including Ruteng and Bajawa. The destination airports of Larantuka, Lembata, Tambolaka, Alor, Maumere and Labuan Bajo are confirmed to still be operating normally.

He said PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia continues to monitor flight conditions and coordinate with BMKG, airlines and relevant stakeholders to ensure flight safety and security following the earthquake.