Is Labuan Bajo Open After the Flores Earthquake? What Tourists Need to Know

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Yes, Labuan Bajo is open to tourists. Tourism activities in Labuan Bajo and the main Komodo National Park area have been gradually returning to normal following the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Flores on August 15, 2026.

As of September 3, 2026, the Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority (BPOLBF) confirms that Labuan Bajo remains open and able to receive visitors. Komodo International Airport is operating, the port is functioning, and tourism activities in the main Labuan Bajo and Komodo area are continuing.

However, travelers should understand that recovery is still ongoing in parts of Flores. Conditions can vary outside the main Labuan Bajo tourism circuit, so checking the latest travel and transport information before departure remains important.

Is Labuan Bajo Open Right Now?

Yes. Labuan Bajo is currently open and receiving tourists.

Following regular field monitoring with local authorities, Komodo National Park officials, the airport, port authorities and tourism businesses, BPOLBF reported on September 3 that tourism activity in Labuan Bajo was gradually returning to normal.

The main tourist infrastructure in Labuan Bajo is operating, including the airport, port and tourism services connected with trips to Komodo National Park.

This means travelers who already have a trip planned to Labuan Bajo do not need to automatically cancel their plans because of the August earthquake.

Is Komodo National Park Open?

Yes. The main Komodo National Park tourism circuit is operating.

Tourist activities around the park resumed after the earthquake, and the main visitor areas around Komodo and Rinca islands have continued receiving travelers.

For visitors planning a typical Komodo trip from Labuan Bajo, the situation is therefore substantially different from some other parts of Flores where recovery and infrastructure inspections are still continuing.

If you are planning a visit, it is still sensible to confirm your boat departure and itinerary with your tour operator shortly before the trip.

Is Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo Open?

Yes. Komodo International Airport is operating and serving flights to and from Labuan Bajo.

However, BPOLBF specifically advises travelers to reconfirm their flight schedule with their airline before traveling. This is particularly important while the wider region continues to recover from the earthquake.

If you are flying into Labuan Bajo, you can also use our Komodo Airport guide to plan your arrival, airport transfer and onward journey.

Can You Still Take a Boat to Komodo?

Yes. Boat trips from Labuan Bajo to the main Komodo National Park destinations are operating.

The Labuan Bajo waterfront and marina continue to handle tourist departures, and boat operators are serving the main Komodo routes.

For travelers planning their first visit, our Komodo boat tour guide explains the main options, including day trips, liveaboards and private charters.

Is the Whole Island of Flores Back to Normal?

No. This is an important distinction.

Labuan Bajo and the main Komodo tourism circuit have recovered considerably faster than some other parts of Flores. Several areas elsewhere on the island have required additional inspections, repairs or temporary restrictions following the earthquake.

Travelers planning a longer Flores itinerary should therefore avoid assuming that conditions in Labuan Bajo are representative of the entire island.

If your trip includes destinations beyond Labuan Bajo and Komodo, check the current status of roads, airports, attractions and accommodation before traveling between regions.

Should You Cancel a Trip to Labuan Bajo?

For a standard Labuan Bajo and Komodo National Park trip, there is currently no general requirement to cancel simply because of the August earthquake.

The latest official update confirms that Labuan Bajo remains open and tourism activity is gradually returning to normal.

However, your individual travel plans matter. If you are planning an overland trip through remote parts of Flores, visiting destinations outside the main Labuan Bajo circuit, or traveling immediately after another significant earthquake or aftershock, check the latest local information before departure.

What Should Travelers Do Before Going?

If you are traveling to Labuan Bajo in the coming days or weeks, a few simple precautions can make your trip easier:

• Confirm your flight schedule with the airline before departure.
• Confirm your boat trip with your operator shortly before leaving Labuan Bajo.
• Check whether every destination on a multi-day Flores itinerary is currently open.
• Allow some flexibility in your schedule in case transport conditions change.
• Follow official information from Indonesian authorities rather than relying on social media rumors.

It is also worth planning your accommodation in advance, particularly if you are visiting during a busy travel period. Our guide to the best hotels in Labuan Bajo covers different places to stay, while our Labuan Bajo hotel price guide explains what you can expect to pay.

What About Travel to Komodo Island?

For travelers whose main goal is to see Komodo dragons, visit Padar Island and explore the surrounding islands, Labuan Bajo remains the primary base for the trip.

The main Komodo tourism infrastructure is functioning, meaning visitors can continue to organize boat trips from Labuan Bajo as usual, subject to normal weather and operational conditions.

If you are visiting for the first time, our Labuan Bajo guide for first-time visitors explains how to organize your stay, transport, activities and Komodo trips.

Bottom Line

Labuan Bajo is open and welcoming tourists after the August 15, 2026 Flores earthquake. The latest official update from BPOLBF confirms that tourism activity is gradually returning to normal, Komodo Airport is operating, and the main Labuan Bajo and Komodo National Park tourism circuit remains active.

The situation is different in some other parts of Flores, where recovery and safety assessments are still continuing. If you are planning a trip beyond Labuan Bajo, check the status of each destination separately.

For a typical Labuan Bajo and Komodo National Park vacation, however, travelers can continue planning their trip while keeping an eye on official updates and reconfirming flights and boat departures before traveling.