Jakarta. Flights to and from East Nusa Tenggara remain operational despite the recent Flores earthquake that had damaged several local airport facilities.

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the island of Flores over the weekend, triggering at least 2,119 aftershocks. The tremors had taken a toll on some aviation infrastructure, including in Frans Sales Lega and Komodo airports.

"Even so, all airports in Flores and the surrounding areas continue to operate normally," Lukman F Laisa, a director at the Transportation Ministry, said on Tuesday. 

Lukman went on to say that the airports have restricted passenger access to the affected zones. However, such restrictions would not disrupt the flight operations. It is also up to the airlines to adjust the flight schedules.

"Airlines have the authority to conduct operational evaluations and adjust flights based on actual conditions on the ground," he stated.

Labuan Bajo's Komodo Airport had sustained damages in its terminal and fire station ceilings, walls, and a crack on its taxiway. Authorities have carried out cleanup operations. 

Ende's H. Hasan Aroeboesman Airport also saw damages in its fire-fighting building, tower structure, and terminal ceiling. 

The Umbu Mehang Kunda Airport in Waingapu saw some damage to its glass wall partitions on its terminal building.

The quake also affected Frans Sales Lega Airport in Ruteng, Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport in Maumere, and Soa Bajawa Airport. 

The damage mainly affected the ceiling and runway, among others.

Cleanup operations and reparations have begun.

Disaster management agency BNPB reported Tuesday that the quake's death toll had climbed to at least 70 people.

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