Frans Seda Airport Closure Extended Due to Mount Lewotobi Eruption – Maumere, Flores — The closure of Frans Seda Airport in Maumere has officially been extended following the ongoing eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Thick volcanic ash clouds reaching hundreds of meters high have forced aviation authorities to prolong the NOTAM (Notice to Airmen), leaving the reopening date uncertain. The decision, while necessary for safety, has had a ripple effect on air passengers, the tourism industry, and local communities. https://dontkilladream.com
Frans Seda Airport Closure Extended Due to Mount Lewotobi Eruption :
What This Means for Travelers
If you had a flight to or from Maumere this week, chances are your schedule has been affected. Airlines such as Wings Air and TransNusa have canceled all flights to Frans Seda Airport for the time being. Some flights have been rerouted to El Tari Airport in Kupang, which now serves as a temporary hub for travelers heading to Flores.
Here are a few quick tips for affected passengers:
- Check your flight status regularly. Use airline apps or hotlines to confirm cancellations or new schedules.
- Prepare for alternative routes. Long-distance buses and private travel services are available, though the journey will take much longer than a direct flight.
- Hold on to your ticket receipts. You’ll need them for refunds or rescheduling requests.
For many travelers, this disruption is more than an inconvenience — it reshuffles plans for tours, hotel bookings, and onward connections.
Impact on Tourism in Flores
Flores has long been a rising star in Indonesian tourism, known for its natural wonders like the Kelimutu Crater Lakes and the pristine Maumere Bay. With the airport closed, however, tour operators, hotels, and travel agencies are facing waves of cancellations.
Some agencies are already offering rerouted itineraries, suggesting tourists fly into Ende or Kupang and then continue overland to Maumere. While this option is feasible, it adds significant travel time and cost.
For travelers who can be flexible, rescheduling might be the best choice. “We are in constant communication with our clients,” said one local tour operator. “The key is to stay patient and keep safety as the top priority.”
How Locals Are Affected
The closure isn’t just about delayed holidays — it’s also hitting the daily lives of Maumere residents. For many, the airport is a lifeline for fast cargo, including medicine, fresh produce, and other essential supplies.
“Normally, goods arrive quickly by plane. Now with the airport shut down, everything has to go by sea or land, which takes much longer,” said a vendor at Alok Market.
This logistical slowdown adds pressure to local businesses and could drive up prices in the short term.
Official Explanations
According to Abdul Muhari, Head of Data and Communication at the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the decision to extend the closure was based on safety concerns. Volcanic ash can severely damage aircraft engines and pose risks to navigation.
Meanwhile, the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) has maintained the volcano’s status at Level III (Siaga/Alert). Authorities have advised residents and visitors to avoid a radius of 6–7 kilometers from the summit, particularly on the northern and southwestern slopes where ashfall and pyroclastic flows are more likely.
Timeline of the Closure
- Initial closure: Early morning, September 25, 2025
- First extension: Midday, following continued ash emissions
- Second extension: Later in the afternoon, as conditions remained unsafe
The situation is being reviewed every few hours by AirNav Indonesia, in close coordination with BMKG (Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency) and PVMBG. Until visibility improves and the risk of ash clouds diminishes, operations will remain suspended.
What You Can Do Now
- For tourists: Consider flying into Kupang or Labuan Bajo and then connecting overland or by sea to Maumere. While it’s slower, these routes keep your trip feasible.
- For tour operators: Keep travelers updated in real-time and offer flexible rescheduling or refund policies.
- For local residents: Rely on official BNPB and PVMBG updates; avoid misinformation and rumors spreading on social media.
- For logistics providers: Plan alternative shipping routes through Ende or Larantuka seaports to minimize supply chain disruption.
Looking Ahead
The extended closure of Frans Seda Airport is a reminder of how intertwined nature and daily life are in Flores. While the eruption has brought temporary setbacks, safety remains the top priority for both travelers and locals.
For now, flexibility and patience are the key. Whether you’re a tourist eager to explore Flores’ stunning landscapes, a resident waiting for shipments, or a tour operator managing cancellations, planning around the eruption is the only way forward until Mount Lewotobi calms down.