In brief
The eruption of Mount Anak Krakatoa ejected ash into Jakarta’s airspace, forcing authorities to suspend 209 flights at Soekarno‑Hatta International Airport and leave tens of thousands of passengers stranded. In addition to domestic routes, international flights to Singapore, Doha, Sydney and Kuala Lumpur were grounded. The airport’s operations are set to resume only after 13:30 (0630 GMT) once ash levels drop. Local officials warned residents to stay indoors and wear masks to reduce exposure to volcanic ash. Indonesia remains on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where volcanic activity is frequent and can pose significant hazards.
A volcanic eruption has halted hundreds of flights at Indonesia’s main international airport, stranding tens of thousands of passengers.
Authorities said 209 flights were suspended after ash from Mount Anak Krakatoa drifted into airspace near Jakarta’s Soekarno‑Hatta International Airport on Sunday morning. The volcano had begun erupting late on Friday night, producing continuous seismic activity, lava fountains and roaring sounds across the surrounding regions. Twice more eruptions followed early on Sunday, officials reported.
More than 22,000 people have been affected by the pause in operations, which will not resume until 13:30 (0630 GMT). The transport ministry noted that the suspension mainly impacted flights to and from Singapore and other international destinations such as Doha, Sydney and Kuala Lumpur.
Authorities confirmed there is no tsunami warning linked to the recent volcanic activity. The volcano sits in the Sunda Strait, between Java and Sumatra, an area prone to seismic and volcanic events due to the Pacific Ring of Fire.
The health minister urged residents in the affected areas to stay indoors and wear face masks to protect against respiratory, eye, and skin risks posed by volcanic ash.
Anak Krakatoa, meaning Child of Krakatoa, has been sporadically active since its emergence from the sea at the beginning of last century, following the catastrophic 1883 eruption of Mount Krakatoa.
Indonesia remains highly susceptible to volcanic and seismic activity, highlighting the need for rapid response and public safety measures during such eruptions.
