Indonesia’s main airport suspends flights due to Anak Krakatau eruption

What the report says

Indonesia temporarily suspended flight operations at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, the country’s busiest airport near Jakarta, after volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau was detected over the capital area. Al Jazeera reported that the shutdown began on Sunday morning and was extended until 1:30pm local time after authorities confirmed ash at the airport during a test, citing increased eruptive activity from the volcano more than 150km away.

The report said Anak Krakatau began erupting late on Friday and continued producing ash plumes and loud eruptions into Sunday. Indonesia’s meteorological and volcanology agencies said ash reached several thousand metres in height on both the Java and Sumatra sides, and officials said two additional eruptions were recorded on Sunday. The airport suspension had previously been due to end earlier in the morning, but the extension affected more flights as officials kept monitoring conditions.

Indonesia’s transportation ministry said the initial closure affected 33 flights, including international cancellations and delays. Singapore Airlines was among the carriers disrupted, with two flights cancelled and two more delayed. Civil aviation officials said safety concerns drove the decision and that airport, airline and weather authorities would continue coordinating on flight schedules.

Volcanic ash is a major aviation hazard because it can damage aircraft engines and reduce visibility. The article also noted there was no immediate tsunami risk from the eruption, and placed Anak Krakatau in historical context as a volcano formed after the catastrophic 1883 Krakatoa eruption and known for later destructive activity, including a deadly 2018 event.