Anak Krakatau Eruption Leaves 170,000 Passengers Stranded as Indonesia Closes Eight Airports
More than 1,500 flights have been delayed after volcanic ash spread towards West Java, disrupting domestic and international air travel.
Mount Anak Krakatau erupts in Indonesia’s Sunda Strait, sending volcanic material into the air.
Jakarta: Around 170,000 passengers have been left stranded after Indonesia temporarily suspended operations at eight airports following an eruption of Anak Krakatau.
Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport was the first facility to suspend operations on Sunday morning. Volcanic ash was detected in the airspace near the airport.
The disruption quickly spread to other airports. Indonesia’s Transport Ministry said 1,558 flights had been delayed. The affected airports were expected to remain closed until midnight.
Volcanic Activity Intensifies
Anak Krakatau began erupting late on Friday night. Since then, the volcano has produced continuous seismic activity and lava fountains.
Residents in surrounding areas also reported loud booming sounds. Furthermore, authorities recorded two additional eruptions early on Sunday.
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The latest activity raised concerns over the spread of volcanic ash. Aviation authorities closely monitored the ash cloud because it can pose serious risks to aircraft engines and flight operations.
International Flights Disrupted
The airport closures have affected both domestic and international services. According to Indonesia’s Transport Ministry, flights to and from Singapore were among those affected.
Other international routes were also disrupted. These included services involving Doha, Sydney and Kuala Lumpur.
As a result, thousands of travellers faced cancellations and delays. Many passengers were forced to remain at airports while airlines adjusted their schedules.
More Airports Temporarily Closed
Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said additional airport closures were ordered after tests showed that volcanic ash had spread towards West Java.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation. Meanwhile, airlines have been asked to keep passengers informed about changes to their flights.
Purwagandhi also urged airlines to speed up ticket refund procedures for passengers affected by cancellations.
He called for timely information for travellers with upcoming flights. The move is intended to prevent overcrowding at airports as passengers seek alternative arrangements.
Travel Disruption Continues
The eruption has created significant challenges for Indonesia’s aviation sector. Airport operators and airlines are now working to manage the large number of affected travellers.
However, the timing of flight resumptions will depend on volcanic ash conditions and aviation safety assessments.
For passengers, authorities have advised checking flight information before travelling to affected airports. Airlines are also expected to provide updates as the situation develops.
The latest eruption once again highlights the challenges faced by Indonesia’s aviation network, which operates across a country with numerous active volcanoes.
