Passenger dies after check-in collapse at Komodo Airport

Labuan Bajo — A passenger collapsed and later died after experiencing a medical emergency in the check-in area of Komodo Airport on Wednesday, 19 August 2026, according to an official statement from the airport and local health authorities.

The airport said the incident occurred at around 07:16 WITA while the passenger was queuing at Check-in Desk 2, when the individual suddenly lost consciousness and fell to the floor.

Aviation security officers and AirAsia staff immediately responded and requested assistance from health workers of Loka Karantina Kesehatan (LKK) Labuan Bajo, who provided initial treatment at the scene, the airport statement said.

After receiving first aid in the check-in area, the passenger was evacuated by an LKK ambulance to RS Siloam Labuan Bajo for further medical care, accompanied by airport personnel, AirAsia aviation security staff and other relevant officials, according to the airport.

Response and medical outcome

Komodo Airport reported that the passenger arrived at RS Siloam at about 07:30 WITA and was immediately treated by hospital staff.

Following medical efforts that lasted roughly 45 minutes, the hospital informed airport officials at approximately 08:15 WITA that the passenger had died.

The airport cited preliminary information from RS Siloam indicating the passenger was suspected of suffering a heart attack, while stressing that a definitive medical cause remained the responsibility of medical professionals and the passenger’s family.

Separately, local media identified the passenger as a 69-year-old tourist from India, who fell while waiting to check in at Komodo International Airport and was later pronounced dead at RS Siloam Labuan Bajo after resuscitation attempts by LKK medical staff and hospital doctors.

No wider details on the passenger’s medical history were disclosed by the airport or health authorities.

The airport expressed condolences to the passenger’s family and those affected, and publicly acknowledged the role of aviation security, AirAsia personnel, LKK health workers and other staff involved in the response and evacuation.

Incident figures

• Reported collapse: About 07:16 WITA on Wednesday, 19 August 2026
• Hospital arrival: About 07:30 WITA
• Death reported: About 08:15 WITA
• Location: Check-in Desk 2 area, Komodo Airport, Labuan Bajo

In its statement, Komodo Airport described the response as part of its wider commitment to readiness for medical emergencies in operational areas, highlighting coordination among airport security, the airline, LKK health workers and other stakeholders to provide prompt assistance.

LKK Labuan Bajo has previously been involved in preparedness and contingency planning for public health emergencies in the Labuan Bajo area, including coordination with local hospitals such as RS Siloam Labuan Bajo.

Context

The 19 August incident tested Komodo Airport’s first-response arrangements in a public check-in zone, with a sequence of on-site assistance by aviation security and LKK, evacuation by ambulance to RS Siloam, hospital treatment and subsequent notification of the death within about one hour of the collapse.

Komodo Airport said it would continue to prioritise preparedness, response speed, coordination and humane service for passengers facing medical emergencies.

The airport’s announcement did not provide statistics on medical incidents, ambulance response times or emergency training at the facility, and health authorities have not released further public information on the passenger’s final medical diagnosis.

Sources

• Bandar Udara Komodo – Penumpang Mengalami Kondisi Medis di Area Check-in Bandara Komodo, Petugas Segera Memberikan Pertolongan
• Detikcom – Jatuh Saat Antre Check in di Bandara Komodo Labuan Bajo, Turis India Tewas