Flights to Labuan Bajo Return to Normal Following Mount Lewotobi Eruption in June 2025

On Tuesday, June 17 at 5:35 PM local time, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki—an active volcano in East Flores Regency—erupted explosively, sending an ash column over 11 kilometers into the sky. The force of the eruption triggered immediate safety responses across regional aviation networks, with authorities halting flights to prevent engine damage from ash particles. Though dramatic, the event was geographically contained, with the most intense impacts felt in eastern Flores.

Despite both being on Flores Island, Labuan Bajo and Mount Lewotobi are separated by about 600 kilometers. The volcano sits at the island’s eastern edge, while Labuan Bajo occupies the western tip—serving as the primary gateway to Komodo National Park. This distance meant no direct physical impact on Labuan Bajo, but standard aviation safety protocols required temporary flight suspensions to assess airborne ash risks.

Komodo International Airport confirmed 12 flight cancellations on June 17 as a precaution. Airlines including Citilink, Lion Air, Batik Air, and Wings Air paused operations to evaluate conditions. By Wednesday, June 18, after visual assessments, paper-based air quality tests, and confirmation that winds were pushing ash away from the area, flight operations resumed fully. The swift response minimized long-term disruption for travelers heading to the region.

While Labuan Bajo recovered quickly, central and eastern Flores faced more prolonged challenges. Three regional airports were temporarily closed due to high ash concentration: Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport (Maumere) until June 19 at 6:00 AM WITA, Soa Airport (Bajawa) until June 18 at 5:00 PM WITA, and Haji Hasan Aroeboesman Airport (Ende) until June 19 at 7:00 AM WITA. Over 14,000 passengers—including domestic and international tourists—were affected during the closure period.

Today, Komodo International Airport is fully operational, and visitor access to Komodo National Park remains uninterrupted. Local tour operators, including Boat Komodo Trip, are actively supporting guests with real-time updates and flexible scheduling. With clear skies and stable conditions, Labuan Bajo is welcoming travelers as usual—offering world-class diving, island exploration, and scenic sailing adventures.

Even with normal operations restored, it pays to stay informed. Monitor updates from BMKG or PVMBG for any changes in volcanic or weather conditions. Booking through trusted local operators ensures you have on-the-ground support if plans shift. Allow buffer time in your itinerary and consider comprehensive travel insurance to cover unexpected delays—giving you peace of mind while exploring one of Indonesia’s most stunning regions.