Anak Krakatau Eruption Cancels Flights, Strands Thousands Across Indonesian Airports
ContestedRigor 5619 sources
The Story
Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau volcano erupted early Sunday, prompting the cancellation of flights at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and disrupting other domestic airports. Volcanic ash drifted across parts of western Indonesia, including Jakarta and Lampung province on Sumatra’s southern tip. AirNav Indonesia closed airspace around Soekarno-Hatta and Halim Perdanakusuma airports in Jakarta, along with several other airports, including Radin Inten II Airport in Lampung. The transport ministry reported operations suspended at six airports, including Hussein Sastranegara airport in Bandung. By Sunday evening, the closure affected 467 flight movements at Soekarno-Hatta airport alone, impacting about 150,000 passengers. Other reports indicated 516 flight movements affected, with 202 at Soekarno-Hatta, impacting approximately 22,800 passengers by mid-afternoon. Airport operator Angkasa Pura stated 301 flights were affected, including 58 international flights. Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines cancelled flights to and from Jakarta for the rest of the day. International routes to Singapore, Doha, Sydney, and Kuala Lumpur experienced disruptions. Six flights from Penang to Jakarta were cancelled, affecting about 1,000 passengers. At least 16 domestic flights to and from Bali were also cancelled. The Geological Agency reported the volcano erupted for 30 seconds at 3:53 a.m. Sunday, showing activity since Friday. Volcanic ash reached 6,000 meters on the Java side and 15,000 meters on the Sumatra side, according to meteorological agency BMKG. No casualties or evacuation orders were issued, with authorities warning people to stay at least three kilometers from the active crater. The nearest settlement is over 16 kilometers away. The health minister urged residents in affected areas to stay indoors and wear face masks. Some schools cancelled activities and fishermen halted trips due to eye irritation from the ash. The disaster mitigation agency BNPB plans a weather modification operation. Lukman F. Laisa, Ministry of Transportation director general of civil aviation, stated safety remains the top priority.
The Spread
Contested
What they agree on
- Indonesia's Anak Krakatau volcano erupted early Sunday, spreading volcanic ash across parts of western Indonesia.
- The eruption led to the cancellation or suspension of hundreds of flights at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and several other domestic airports.
- Thousands of passengers were stranded or affected by the flight disruptions.
- Volcanic ash was detected in the airspace near affected airports, prompting the closures.
- No casualties or evacuation orders were reported following the eruption.
Where they split
- Sources provide differing figures for the total number of affected flights and passengers at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, with Global News reporting 467 flight movements and 150,000 passengers, while CBS News and The Boston Globe cite 516 flight movements and 22,800 passengers.
- The reported duration of the airport closure for Soekarno-Hatta International Airport varies, with some sources stating it was ordered closed until at least 9:30 p.m., others until 5:30 p.m., and some until 1:30 p.m.
- Some outlets, like Global News and CBS News, specify six or eight airports were closed, while The Guardian Australia and Business Recorder mention five airports.
- The reported height of the volcanic ash plume differs slightly, with some sources stating 20,000 feet (6,000m) on the Java side and 50,000 feet (15,000m) on the Sumatra side, while Deutsche Welle reports 6,000 meters on the Java side and 15,000 meters on the Sumatra side.
Source Perspectives
Left3 sources
Center14 sources