Despite Labuan Bajo appearing to be safe and the airport operating as usual, the disaster agency has indicated that the situation could remain uncertain until December 1, leaving the travel industry in a state of limbo, as they face the upcoming peak season in December.

Abed Frans, chairman of the East Nusa Tenggara Association of Indonesian Travel Agencies (ASITA), said: “Since the first eruption on November 3, (there hasn’t been much) impact, and visitors have continued to arrive. (However), the temporary closure of Komodo Airport has (raised) concerns among travellers – ASITA members have reported receiving many cancellations.”

According to data from the Labuan Bajo Flores Authority Implementing Agency, around 6,000 visitors were unable to enter Labuan Bajo due to the closure of Komodo International Airport from November 10 to 13. The closures led to cancellations at 32 hotels, with occupancy rates dropping by nearly 87 per cent, further declining to just 10 per cent from November 3 to 16.

ASITA West Manggarai reported its members received massive cancellations and delays, leading to losses exceeding US$64,000 for travel packages between November 8 and 14.

Leonardus Nyoman, owner and director of Flores Exotic Tour, who had eight small group cancellations, expressed concern that cancellations may continue as the government has not yet downgraded the alert level to “safe,” given that volcanic activity remains at a high level.

“This is force majeure; no one can predict the natural disaster. (However), the authorities need to push out the message that Labuan Bajo remains unaffected and is safe for travel. Furthermore, the government must release a statement (clarifying) that the distance between Lewotobi and Labuan Bajo is very far,” added Leonardus.

Abed Frans, owner of Flobamor Tours, said the travel industry is in limbo due to the lack of certainty, with partners and clients continuing to inquire about the next group departure in December or seeking to reschedule those affected by the recent closure.

Abed still holds high hopes that the situation will improve before December. “It is the peak season. If we don’t start selling packages now, business will definitely suffer. But it’s also impossible to offer year-end packages without the ‘green light’ from the government,” he added.

Given the uncertainty, Wisnu Arimbawa, managing director of GD Tour Bali, has diverted his clients to other destinations. “Due to natural and weather conditions, we’re advising clients in Bali to avoid East Nusa Tenggara until next year. Instead, we are offering alternative packages in Java or Lombok,” he shared.

As of November 15, data from the Ministry of Transportation reported that nine out of 10 airports in East Nusa Tenggara have resumed normal operations. The only exception is Frans Seda Airport in Maumere, which remains closed due to the impact of volcanic ash.

I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali and Lombok International Airport have also returned to normal after cancellations from November 12 to 14, which affected hundreds of domestic and international flights.