Jakarta: Several airports in the Flores region and surrounding areas remained open after a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake rocked the area that damaged several airports.
The powerful quake that hit over the weekend caused more than 2,119 aftershocks that damaged several of the region’s airports.
"Despite the fact that there are disruptions at airports, flights to and from East Nusa Tenggara are still running.
“There were some airports in Flores and its surroundings that were still open to accommodate the flow of travellers, even when there were disruptions due to the earthquake," said one of the directors of Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation, Lukman F. Laisa.
TEMPORARY RESTRICTION ON ACCESS TO AFFECTED AIRPORTS BY PASSENGERS
Passenger access to facilities at several airports affected by the earthquake has been restricted by authorities. The ministry said that the restrictions are expected to ensure the safety of airport users and passengers while allowing flight operations to continue.
The airline companies are responsible for reviewing the conditions of the airports and modifying their operations to accommodate the changes.
Multiple Airport Facilities Damaged
Komodo Airport, or Labuan Bajo, experienced damage to the ceiling and walls in various locations of the terminal and fire station. The airport’s taxiway also developed a crack. Authorities have started cleanup and restoration activities.
At H. Hasan Aroeboesman Airport in Ende, damage was reported to the firefighting building, tower and terminal ceiling. Similarly, the glass wall partitions of the terminal building at Umbu Mehang Kunda Airport in Waingapu were damaged.
The disaster also hit the airports in Ruteng, Maumere, Soa Bajawa, Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport in Maumere and Soa Bajawa and Frans Sales Lega Airport in Ruteng.
Flights in the Region Are Not Interfered With
Several airport facilities have been disrupted by the earthquake but authorities said there is no disruption to flights in the region.
Authorities are currently carrying out inspections and restoration activities while airline companies are monitoring the situation before adjusting their operations.
The reopening of flights in several airports in Flores and its surrounding areas will facilitate the flow of people and essential goods and ease the disruptions caused by the earthquake and aftershocks.
