The Anak Krakatau volcano in Indonesia erupted on Sunday, prompting the closure of eight airports and canceling 1,558 flights that affected 170,000 passengers, according to reports.
Airport Closures and Flight Disruptions in Indonesia
AirNav Indonesia ordered the airspace closed around Soekarno-Hatta and Halim Perdanakusuma airports in Jakarta, alongside six other airports including Radin Inten II Airport in Lampung, due to hazardous volcanic ash. By Sunday evening, the cancellations crippled operations at major hubs. Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta airport alone accounted for 963 canceled flights. Nationwide, the eight closed airports left 170,000 passengers stranded from 1,558 canceled flights. Air travel disruptions also reached Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport and Medan.
“I was supposed to get input from the airline … but so far no news,” Diego Urdiales, a Spanish tourist stranded while trying to fly home to Madrid. “It’s a natural disaster, it’s a force majeure, so, what can we do?” Indonesian passenger Michele Gouw. “We just have to accept it and wait for the airline and airport directions.” Lukman F. Laisa, Ministry of Transportation director general of civil aviation, stated that safety remained the top priority while warning that flight schedules could face cascading disruptions affecting aircraft rotations and terminal capacity.
Did You Know? The volcanic island of Anak Krakatau sits in Indonesia’s Sunda Strait between the main islands of Java and Sumatra, and showed signs of increased activity starting Friday before erupting twice on Sunday—first for 30 seconds at 3:53 a.m. and later for 16 seconds.
Volcanic Activity and Ash Plumes
Indonesia’s Geological Agency reported that closed-circuit camera footage captured lava flares during the eruptions. Lana Saria, head of Indonesia’s Geological Agency, noted that activity at Anak Krakatau has intensified since July, marking Sunday’s blasts as the strongest during that period. The repeated activity points to a continuous supply of magma and volcanic gases beneath the surface, although officials cannot predict whether a larger eruption will occur.
Satellite imagery analyzed by Indonesia’s volcanology agency and the Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre revealed two ash plumes. One cloud rose to 20,000 feet and drifted northeast over Jakarta, Banten, West Java, and nearby waters. A second plume reached 50,000 feet, spreading over parts of Banten, Lampung, and Bengkulu provinces, the southern Sunda Strait, and sections of the Indian Ocean west of Sumatra. Authorities confirmed no casualties and issued no evacuation orders, as the nearest settlement sits more than 16 kilometers (10 miles) away. However, officials maintained a strict warning for residents and visitors to stay at least 3 kilometers (2 miles) away from the active crater.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Anak Krakatau volcano located?
The volcanic island is located in Indonesia’s Sunda Strait, positioned between the main islands of Java and Sumatra.
Were there any casualties or evacuations ordered?
No casualties were reported, and no evacuation orders were issued because the nearest settlement is located more than 16 kilometers (10 miles) away from the crater.
Which airports were affected by the ash clouds?
AirNav Indonesia closed eight airports due to volcanic ash, including Soekarno-Hatta and Halim Perdanakusuma airports in Jakarta, Radin Inten II Airport in Lampung, and facilities in Bali and Medan.
How are regional authorities managing the ongoing travel delays and transportation safety across the affected Indonesian provinces?
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