Bandara Komodo Tetap BeroperasiTerbatas, Taxiway Retak Pascagempa NTT

Komodo Airport Maintains Limited Operations Following Major Earthquake

Kabarberita911.com – Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, continues to serve flights following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that shook the Flores Island region of Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) on Saturday, August 15. While operations remain active, management has implemented restrictions on several affected areas to ensure flight safety. The runway and aircraft parking apron have been assessed as structurally sound and remain operational.

Technical teams identified cracks in one taxiway section, prompting temporary usage limitations pending further technical evaluation. Airport authorities have prioritized comprehensive inspections of personnel, facilities, equipment, and both airside and landside operations shortly after the seismic event.

Priority on Safety and Rapid Recovery

Cheppy Triono, Head of UPBU Kelas II Komodo, emphasized their immediate response protocol. He explained that safety remains their foremost concern, with swift action taken to secure all impacted infrastructure. The airport is simultaneously accelerating recovery efforts, particularly in terminal areas, to maintain optimal service for passengers.

“Keselamatan adalah prioritas utama kami. Setelah gempa terjadi, kami langsung bergerak melakukan pemeriksaan dan pengamanan terhadap seluruh fasilitas yang terdampak. Di sisi lain, kami juga terus melakukan percepatan pemulihan, khususnya pada area terminal, agar pelayanan kepada masyarakat tetap dapat berjalan sebaik mungkin.”

“Prinsip kami adalah cepat dalam menangani, tetapi tetap tepat dan tidak mengabaikan aspek keselamatan.”

Damage Assessment and Operational Continuity

Initial assessments confirmed no casualties or injuries within the airport premises during the earthquake. Beyond the cracked taxiway, several structures sustained damage including the Administrative Building, Fire Station, and landside terminal sections. Technical teams are currently securing, identifying, and cleaning affected areas.

Terminal sections deemed safe continue serving passengers, while damaged portions remain temporarily closed. Electrical supply from PLN experienced brief interruption, but backup generators were immediately activated to maintain operations. Navigation, communication, and other aviation safety systems continue functioning normally.

Broader Regional Impact

Komodo Airport maintains coordination with BMKG, AirNav Indonesia, airlines, and relevant agencies to monitor conditions and potential aftershocks. Passengers are advised to remain calm, follow staff instructions, and check official information regarding schedules and operational status.

BNPB Chief Letjen TNI Suharyanto previously reported that five airports across NTT experienced significant impact from the early morning earthquake. Damage classifications include light, moderate, and heavy categories. Terminal buildings accounted for five affected airports, while two ports—Reo and Maumere—also sustained damage.

The airport continues working closely with all stakeholders to ensure comprehensive monitoring and timely response to any developing situations in the region.