Anak Krakatau Eruption Cancels Flights, Strands Thousands Across Indonesian Airports

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.