Imam Pramono, head of Angkasa Pura I at El Tari Airport in Kupang, said flights to and from and the airport had been suspended until further notice.

Labuan Bajo, the capital city of West Manggarai has been blanketed by Mt. Sangiang volcanic ash, which is spewing smoke and ash 3 kilometers into the air.

'€œTrans Nusa and Sriwijaya airlines could not fly to Komodo Airport today. Other flights from Maumere and Ende to Labuan Bajo have also been canceled until the ash stops,'€ Imam said as quoted by tempo.co on Saturday.

The volcanic ash has begun to disrupt activities in regencies of West Manggarai, Manggarai, East Sumba, Central Sumba and Sabu Raijua.

Donatus Jabur, head of the West Manggarai Disaster Mitigation Agency, said the local government had opened a crisis center in Labuan Bajo to closely monitor the situation and provide assistance to local residents.

Several boats bringing tourists to Komodo Island have also postponed their journeys, due to the eruption. (gda/dic)

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