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THE INDONESIAN Government is accelerating recovery efforts at earthquake-damaged airports in East Nusa Tenggara to restore critical air connectivity and ensure flight safety, officials said Tuesday.
Following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake on Aug. 15, 2026, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation conducted field inspections across several regional facilities, including Komodo International Airport, Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport, H. Hasan Aroeboesman Airport, Soa Airport, and Frans Sales Lega Airport, Ministry of Transportation stated.
The inspections aimed to evaluate structural damage, determine immediate operational needs, and ensure targeted rehabilitation efforts across the province.
“We are prioritizing the repair of building structures and supporting facilities, including passenger terminals and flight operations facilities,” said Director General of Civil Aviation Lukman F. Laisa.
Restoration work at Soa Airport in Bajawa, Ngada District, has been designated a top priority. Officials confirmed that damage across all sites will be addressed based on severity to hasten a return to full capacity.
“We want to ensure that all needs on the ground are properly identified,” Lukman added, noting that inspection findings will guide the ministry’s official recovery strategy.
The ministry continues to coordinate relief efforts with regional stakeholders to ensure aviation safety and security standards are maintained throughout the restoration process. During his visits, Lukman also distributed aid to local airport staff affected by the disaster. [antaranews]
