Volcano eruption triggers flight suspensions at Indonesia's main airport

What the report says

A volcanic eruption in Indonesia forced widespread flight suspensions at the country’s main international airport, Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, leaving more than 22,000 passengers affected, according to BBC World News. Authorities said ash from Mount Anak Krakatoa was detected in airspace near the capital on Sunday morning, prompting the suspension of 209 flights. The disruption was extended until 13:30 local time (0630 GMT), and the transport ministry said the impact fell mainly on routes to and from Singapore, with other international services to destinations including Doha, Sydney and Kuala Lumpur also affected.

BBC World News reported that Anak Krakatoa began erupting late on Friday night, with continued seismic activity, lava fountains and loud rumbling heard across nearby areas. Two more eruptions were recorded early on Sunday. The volcano, located in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra, has been active intermittently since it emerged from the sea in the early 20th century in the caldera left by the 1883 Krakatoa eruption.

Officials said there was no tsunami warning connected to the latest activity. The health minister urged people in affected areas to remain indoors and use face masks to reduce exposure to ash, which can irritate the eyes, skin and breathing passages. Indonesia lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone known for frequent volcanic and seismic events, which helps explain the country’s recurring exposure to such disruptions.