MAUMERE - Operations at Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport in Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), have been temporarily suspended. This decision was taken following flight safety threats caused by the spread of volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Flores Regency on Wednesday (15/7/2026).
Head of the Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport Organizing Unit, Partahian Panjaitan, confirmed that the closure was absolutely necessary to ensure the safety of passengers and flight crew. According to plans, the suspension of flight activities will last until Thursday (16/7/2026) at 06:00 WITA, while monitoring the development of the situation on the ground.
As a result of this closure, all domestic flight schedules to and from Maumere had to be canceled. The airport authorities appealed to affected prospective passengers to immediately contact their respective airlines to reschedule or obtain the latest information regarding alternative flights.
According to a report from the Lewotobi Laki-laki Volcano Observation Post (PGA), the volcano erupted on Wednesday morning at 08:16 WITA. The eruption spewed a thick column of gray ash approximately 400 meters above the peak, with winds carrying the volcanic material toward the southwest and west.
The PGA Post also recorded that this volcanic activity was registered on seismograms with a maximum amplitude of 22.2 millimeters and a gust earthquake duration of approximately 2 minutes and 59 seconds.
