Labuan Bajo Has Returned to Normal Following the Earthquake, Tourist Vessels and Flights Have Resumed Operations.

Labuan Bajo remains a safe travel destination following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck the Mbay region, Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on the morning of Saturday, 15 August 2026.

The West Manggarai Regency Government has confirmed that all critical tourist access facilities, from the airport to the seaport, sustained no damage from the earthquake.

This update is critical information for travellers currently in Labuan Bajo or those with planned trips to this priority tourist destination. Both flight and tourist vessel services have resumed operations after being temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure.

"We have inspected the port, the airport, and all other public facilities. Everything is safe, there is no damage," stated West Manggarai Regent Edistasius Endi when contacted from Kupang on Saturday.

Tourism Activities Resume in Labuan Bajo

Immediately after the morning earthquake struck, tourism operations in Labuan Bajo were temporarily adjusted. Some tourists were evacuated to safer locations, while ferry services to tourist destinations were temporarily closed.

According to local authorities, sea levels rose approximately 0.3 metres for a short period shortly after the earthquake. However, Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) confirmed this event did not pose a dangerous tsunami threat.

"At 10.00 WITA following the earthquake, the Port and Harbour Authority also lifted the suspension and permitted tourist vessels to resume sailing," he added.

With the resumption of ferry services, visitors may once again explore Labuan Bajo's waters and surrounding tourist destinations, though on-ground conditions will continue to be monitored on an ongoing basis.

All incoming and outgoing flights to Labuan Bajo have also returned to normal operations.

This development is particularly significant for travellers, as Komodo Airport serves as the primary entry point for Labuan Bajo and other tourist destinations across Flores island.

Tourists who were stranded on Padar Island have been successfully evacuated to safe locations and have since been able to resume their activities.

"There were no tourist fatalities," he confirmed.

A total of 986 tourists were safely evacuated from Padar Island. The Ministry of Tourism is also monitoring the situation across the Floratama region, which covers Flores, Alor, Lembata, and Bima.

Ensuring tourist safety has been the top priority in the post-earthquake response, including relocating all visitors in tourist zones to secure locations.

According to the Ministry of Tourism Communications Bureau, all 986 tourists stranded on Padar Island during the temporary sailing suspension have been safely returned to Labuan Bajo.

This evacuation operation was critical given that Padar Island is one of the most popular destinations for visitors travelling to Komodo National Park.

Alongside the evacuation on Padar Island, all hotel guests across Labuan Bajo were temporarily escorted outside their accommodation as a precaution against potential aftershocks.

Designated safe assembly points included the Natas Parapuar area and Komodo Regional General Hospital grounds.

Tourists who had been evacuated from Meurorah Hotel to Puncak Waringin were also permitted to return to their accommodation once the situation was deemed stable.

Condition of Hotels and Tourist Facilities in Labuan Bajo

While the vast majority of tourism facilities remain safe, ongoing inspections of all infrastructure are still being conducted.

As of 13.45 WITA, the Labuan Bajo Flores Authority Agency (BPOLBF) reported that damage had been identified at a small number of locations following their monitoring checks.

Partial structural collapse was recorded at Hotel Jayakarta in West Manggarai. All hotel guests and staff were confirmed unharmed, and have been relocated to a nearby secure hotel.

Separately, Hotel Papita Mbay in Nagekeo suffered significant damage. Coordination regarding this property remains ongoing.

Meanwhile, all major hotels operating within Labuan Bajo including Ayana, Ta'aktana Marriott, Crown, Menjaga Bay, Luwansa, Sudamala and Meurorah remain in safe condition overall.

While minor surface cracks were reported at some buildings, electricity and internet services have been restored at nearly all accommodation venues.

Restaurant conditions are also largely stable. La Moringga and Escape Bajo sustained only minor damage and remain safe for operation, with all staff and patrons confirmed unharmed at both locations.

Nevertheless, all intending travellers are advised to verify the latest official updates from local authorities, destination management, airlines and boat operators prior to departure.

Facilities on Komodo Island Under Ongoing Monitoring

Impacts from the earthquake have also been identified at tourism support facilities within Komodo National Park.

The entrance sign wall at the Loh Liang site on Komodo Island collapsed during the earthquake. Gradual inspections of all other supporting facilities are still underway.

This situation confirms that while tourism operations are restarting in Labuan Bajo, full infrastructure verification will remain a critical process before all activities can return completely to normal.

This development also serves as a reminder for travellers that conditions at destinations following natural disasters can change rapidly. Verifying up-to-date official information before travelling is strongly recommended, particularly for visitors planning island hopping trips to Padar Island, Komodo Island or other locations around Labuan Bajo.

For the time being, local authorities have confirmed that core infrastructure including the airport and seaport remain safe, with both flights and tourist boat services now back in operation.

Following the successful evacuation of all stranded tourists and with ongoing facility monitoring continuing, normal activity is gradually resuming across Labuan Bajo.

However, visitors should note that confirmed safety does not mean precautions can be disregarded. Checking official information, following instructions from on-site personnel, and confirming transport and destination status before travel remain essential practices for a safe trip.