Anak Krakatau Eruption Disrupts Indonesian Flights, Stranding 150,000 Passengers

More than 150,000 passengers were affected on Sunday after Indonesia temporarily closed eight airports following an eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau that sent volcanic ash into surrounding airspace.

Volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau disrupted air travel in Indonesia, forcing temporary closures at multiple airports, including Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. [Photo: Adhari Arief, Wikimedia Commons]

The eruption disrupted operations at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and several regional airports as authorities monitored the movement of volcanic ash and assessed risks to aviation.

At least 467 flights were canceled, including 409 domestic and 58 international services, according to Indonesia's Transportation Ministry.

Authorities initially suspended operations at Soekarno-Hatta after volcanic ash was detected in the airport's surrounding airspace.

The closure was extended as officials monitored changing wind conditions and the movement of the ash cloud.

Seven other airports were also affected, including Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in Jakarta, Husein Sastranegara Airport in Bandung, Radin Inten II Airport in Lampung, Budiarto and Pondok Cabe airports in Banten, and two airports in South Sumatra.

Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said authorities were prioritizing flight safety and would keep airports closed where volcanic ash posed a risk to aircraft.

Alternative airports were opened for additional operations to help accommodate affected passengers.

Mount Anak Krakatau, located in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra, has remained active, with authorities continuing to monitor volcanic activity and ash movement.

The eruption caused major disruption to Indonesia's air transportation network. Subsequent reports indicated that the disruption grew significantly beyond the initial estimate as ash continued to affect aviation routes.