Anak Krakatau Ash Closes Indonesian Airports
Tuesday, 2026/09/08180 words3 minutes611 reads
Anak Krakatau erupted in Indonesia's Sunda Strait, sending volcanic ash into airspace used by planes. Authorities temporarily suspended operations at eight airports, including Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, serving Jakarta. The decision was made because ash was detected near the airport and safety checks were under way.
The BBC reported that more than 150,000 passengers had been affected and that 712 flights were affected at the time of its report. These figures can change as airports reopen or more cancellations are counted. The transport minister asked airlines to give passengers timely information, consider diversions and speed up refunds.
Indonesia's agency, BMKG, said ash spread east at up to 20,000 feet, or about 6,000 metres, and west at up to 50,000 feet, or about 15,000 metres. Flights to and from Singapore, Doha, Sydney and Kuala Lumpur were among disrupted routes.
Officials said there was no tsunami warning linked to the eruption. Health officials advised people in affected areas to stay indoors and wear masks because ash can irritate the eyes, skin and breathing system. Some schools halted activities after people reported eye irritation.
