Jakarta airport suspends flights as Anak Krakatau ash reaches capital

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport suspended flight operations until 1:30pm local time on Sunday after volcanic ash from increased eruptive activity at Mount Anak Krakatau was detected over Jakarta.

Indonesia’s volcanology agency recorded two further eruptions on Sunday. The meteorological agency BMKG reported ash reaching up to 6,000 metres over Java, with a plume extending to 15,000 metres over Sumatra and parts of Banten province.

An earlier suspension affected 33 flights, including 16 international cancellations and seven delays, according to Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation. Singapore Airlines cancelled two Jakarta flights and delayed two others.

The extended suspension followed an airport “paper test” that confirmed volcanic ash was present, Indonesia’s Director General of Civil Aviation Lukman F Laisa said. Authorities said they would continue monitoring conditions with airlines, air navigation services and BMKG.

Anak Krakatau began erupting late on Friday, producing lava fountains and sounds reportedly audible up to 700 kilometres away. Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency said there was no imminent tsunami risk.

The volcano emerged in the caldera left by the 1883 Krakatoa eruption. Its 2018 eruption triggered a tsunami that killed more than 400 people along the coasts of Java and Sumatra. Volcanic ash can damage aircraft engines and reduce visibility.