The volcanic activity of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), has once again impacted the air transportation sector. On Monday (6/7/2026), airlines Wings Air and Nam Air were forced to cancel flight schedules to and from Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport, Maumere.
This cancellation includes the Maumere-Kupang route, which was scheduled to be served by Wings Air at 07:00 Wita and Nam Air at 13:40 Wita. Although the airlines decided not to operate, the authorities of Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport emphasized that general airport operations remain normal.
The Head of the Airport Organizer Unit, Partahian Panjaitan, stated that the decision to cancel routes is entirely within the authority of the airlines regarding technical conditions in the field. There is a strong suspicion pointing to the distribution of volcanic ash due to the eruption of Mount Lewotobi, which is currently at Level III (Siaga) status.
Based on reports from the Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki Volcano Observation Post (PGA), the volcano recorded a series of eruptions from early morning until morning. One significant eruption occurred at 06:14 Wita, producing an ash column 800 meters high above the peak with thick intensity leaning towards the north and northeast.
PGA Post Officer Fransiskus Xaverius Masan confirmed that seismic activity showed an eruption with a maximum amplitude of 47.3 mm. To date, authorities continue to monitor the development of volcanic activity to ensure the safety of flight routes in the NTT region remains secure.
