Inp.polri.go.id - Labuan Bajo.  Fransiskus Xaverius Seda, or better known as Frans Seda, Airport in Maumere, Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, was temporarily closed on Sunday (2/3/2025) due to volcanic ash from Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki.

"Following the eruption, Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport has been closed due to volcanic ash as per NOTAM C0266/25, from 10.45 am to 2.20 pm local time," said Mokhammad Khusnu, the Acting Head of International Cooperation, Public Relations, and General Affairs at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, in a press release from the Frans Seda Airport authoritym, as quoted by antaranews.com.

One affected flight was NAM Air’s Kupang-Maumere route, with further updates pending.

According to the Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Center (PVMBG), Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted six times on Sunday, with the last eruption at 10.48 am, sending an ash column 1,000 meters above the peak. The volcano remains at Alert Level III (Siaga).

Authorities will conduct periodic paper tests at nearby airports to monitor ash impact, and further updates on flight disruptions will be provided.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)