The eruption of Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau volcano disrupted flights at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, the country’s main airport, after volcanic ash was detected in the surrounding airspace. The move came as volcanic activity intensified, with authorities reporting two more eruptions on Sunday. More than 22,000 travelers were affected by the flight suspension.
Indonesia’s geology agency said the volcano sent up a fountain of lava and produced loud booms that were heard as far as 700 kilometers away, making it one of the most notable volcanic episodes in the region in recent days.
Volcanic Eruption Disrupts Air Travel
Soekarno-Hatta Airport Closure Extended
Indonesia’s Transport Ministry said tests showed volcanic ash spreading over the Soekarno-Hatta airport area, prompting authorities to suspend operations from 1:30 a.m. on Sunday. The ministry later said the closure was extended until 9:30 a.m. as ash continued to affect the airport zone.
The airport also announced on social media that flight suspensions would be extended by another four hours because of increased volcanic activity, in a precautionary move aimed at ensuring aviation safety.
Dozens of Flights Affected
The Transport Ministry said more than 22,000 people saw their travel plans affected by the suspension, with 209 flights disrupted, especially routes to and from Singapore. Other international flights affected included services to Doha, Sydney, and Kuala Lumpur.
Airport authorities also said at least 16 domestic flights to Bali were canceled because of the ash cloud and the resulting air traffic disruption.
Monitoring Volcanic and Maritime Risks
Warning for Ships in the Strait
Anak Krakatau is located in the strait between the islands of Java and Sumatra, making it a concern not only for aviation but also for maritime navigation. Local port authorities urged ships crossing the strait to exercise caution in case volcanic activity disrupted safe passage. They also barred vessels from approaching the volcano within a 3-kilometer radius.
The restrictions reflect the immediate response to a volcano that has been intermittently active since emerging from the sea in the early 20th century.
A Volcano With a Long History
Anak Krakatau has erupted intermittently since it appeared from the sea in the early 1900s, in the caldera formed after the catastrophic 1883 eruption of Mount Krakatoa. That disaster remains one of the deadliest and most destructive in history, with an estimated 35,000 deaths.
Indonesia, an archipelagic state in Southeast Asia, sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plate boundaries drive frequent volcanic and seismic activity.
Public Warnings and Wider Disruption
Masks, Caution, and Low Visibility
Indonesia’s Meteorology Agency said volcanic ash was detected at altitudes of up to 6,000 meters on the Java-facing side and about 15,000 meters on the Sumatra-facing side, reaching areas in Banten province on Java.
The National Disaster Management Agency urged residents to stay calm and remain alert, advising people to wear masks and eye protection when ash falls, limit outdoor activity, cover water sources, and drive carefully because visibility has been reduced by the ash cloud.
Disruption Beyond Airports
The eruption did not affect air travel alone. Some school activities and fishing trips were also suspended, showing the broader disruption a volcanic event can cause in a densely populated and highly connected area like Jakarta and its surroundings.
Conclusion:
The Anak Krakatau eruption caused major disruption to air travel at Indonesia’s main airport, suspending dozens of domestic and international flights and affecting more than 22,000 passengers. As authorities continue to monitor the situation, warnings remain in place for residents and ships in the area amid ongoing volcanic activity and the risk of further disruption.
