Anak Krakatau eruption disrupts 712 flights across Indonesia
Ash from the volcano spread towards West Java, prompting temporary suspensions at eight airports and disrupting routes to Singapore, Doha, Sydney and Kuala Lumpur.
An eruption of Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau volcano has disrupted 712 flights and affected more than 150,000 passengers, according to Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi.
Operations were temporarily suspended at eight airports after ash was detected near Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and spread towards West Java. Flights to and from Singapore were mainly affected, alongside international routes involving Doha, Sydney and Kuala Lumpur.
Purwagandhi urged airlines to consider diverting flights, accelerate ticket refunds and provide timely information to passengers with upcoming journeys. Authorities have not specified when airport operations will resume or how long disruptions will continue.
The eruption began late on Friday and was followed by continuous seismic activity, lava fountains and booming sounds. Indonesian authorities reported two further eruptions early on Sunday.
Indonesia’s meteorological agency said ash reached up to 20,000 feet over Java and 50,000 feet towards Sumatra. Health authorities advised people in affected areas to remain indoors and wear face masks.
Authorities said there was no tsunami warning linked to the activity. Anak Krakatau formed in the caldera left by the 1883 Mount Krakatoa eruption; its collapse in December 2018 triggered a tsunami that killed more than 400 people.
