MOUNT LEWOTOBI ERUPTION TRIGGERS COMPLETE FLIGHT SHUTDOWN IN LOMBOK AIRPORT, INDONESIA

MATARAM, Indonesia, Nov 13 (Bernama-ANTARA) -- State-owned airport operator PT Angkasa Pura I Lombok Airport in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) confirmed all local and overseas flight routes, both departures and arrivals at Lombok Airport were impacted by Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki's eruption, reported ANTARA news agency.

"All flight routes from and to Lombok Airport were affected by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Nusa Tenggara. There were no flight activities today," Lombok Airport Public Relations Arif Haryanto stated in Central Lombok on Wednesday.

He explained that inbound and outbound flights on international routes connecting Lombok to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur have been cancelled or delayed.

Moreover, domestic flights from Lombok to Jakarta, Denpasar Bali, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Sumbawa, and Bima were affected.

"It consisted of two international and six domestic flight routes," Haryanto remarked.

He reported that as of Wednesday afternoon, data indicated a total of 30 flight cancellations across all airlines.

He noted that the continued westward drift of ash emissions from Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki could lead to additional flight delays and potential cancellations on multiple routes.

"Delayed and possibly cancelled flights depend on the Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki eruption," he stated.

Haryanto stated that passengers affected by flight cancellations would receive updates and notifications via WhatsApp and SMS from the airline regarding flight rescheduling or refunds.

The affected airlines are providing full refunds to passengers impacted by the cancellations.

"Airline staff are on standby at the airline's customer service office to handle passengers," he added.

Meanwhile, he noted that airport personnel have been stationed in the waiting areas to assist passengers facing flight delays.

"The number of passengers affected was around six thousand based on the number of passengers per day at Lombok Airport, both arriving and departing," he revealed.

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has established a seven-kilometre danger zone around Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, restricting access to only the joint Search and Rescue teams. This active volcano in East Nusa Tenggara began erupting on November 4, 2024, following fluctuating activity throughout the year.

The BNPB is also ensuring that the basic needs of 11,533 displaced residents are met. These individuals are currently housed in eight designated refugee shelters as they await further updates on the situation.

--BERNAMA-ANTARA