REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, LABUAN BAJO -- Komodo Labuan Bajo Airport in West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), is back in operation. This decision was taken after paper tests showed negative results from exposure to volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Male.

“Today the airport and flights are operating normally,” Komodo Airport Organizing Unit (UPBU) Head of Komodo Labuan Bajo Ceppy Triono was contacted in Labuan Bajo on Tuesday (5/11/2024).

Komodo Labuan Bajo Airport was previously temporarily closed after the paper test results on Monday (4/11/2024) around 16.00 Wita showed positive results from exposure to volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Male. Ceppy explained in a paper test regularly conducted since Monday to ensure all flights to and from the airport were safe from the threat of volcanic ash from Mount Lewotobi Male.

The paper test conducted by the airport authorities on Tuesday from 02.00 Wita to 06.30 Wita showed a negative result of exposure to the volcanic ash spread of Mount Lewotobi Male. “So it has been issued a Notam (official notice) for the airport to be able to operate again,” Ceppy said.

Meanwhile, there are 12 flights that will be served by Komodo Labuan Bajo Airport on Tuesday (5/11/2024). Separate head of Komodo Meteorological Station Maria Seran said based on the latest Himawari weather satellite imagery data, currently the spread of volcanic ash is not detected in the airspace of West Manggarai Regency, so flights have resumed operations.

“However, we from the BMKG side continue to monitor the development of the eruption and according to our task it is mandatory to inform the distribution of volcanic ash to relevant stakeholders in the aviation world for preventive measures of aviation safety,” he said.

Further appeals to the general public or the public at large will be conveyed by the BMKG when the spread of volcanic ash of Mount Lewotobi Male has disrupted community activities.

“But the position of Manggarai Barat is quite far from the location of Mount Lewotobi Mejai so that it has not had a special impact on the people in West Manggarai and also its tourism,” Maria Seran said.

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