Anak Krakatoa eruption disrupts flights at Jakarta airport, strands thousands

A volcanic eruption from Mount Anak Krakatoa has forced the suspension of hundreds of flights at Indonesia's main international airport, leaving tens of thousands of passengers stranded. Officials confirmed that 209 flights were cancelled or delayed after volcanic ash was detected in the airspace near Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Sunday morning.

The volcano, located in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra, began erupting late Friday night. It has since produced continuous seismic activity, lava fountains, and loud booming sounds audible across nearby regions. Two further eruptions occurred early Sunday, prompting authorities to extend the flight suspension until 13:30 local time (0630 GMT).

More than 22,000 passengers have been affected by the disruptions. The transport ministry said that the hiatus in operations primarily affected routes to and from Singapore, as well as other international destinations including Doha, Sydney, and Kuala Lumpur. Domestic flights have also seen delays as airlines work to adjust schedules.

Officials have clarified that there is no tsunami warning linked to the recent volcanic activity. However, the health minister has advised residents in affected areas to remain indoors and wear face masks to protect against potential respiratory, eye, and skin irritation caused by volcanic ash.

Anak Krakatoa, which translates to "Child of Krakatoa," emerged from the sea in the early 20th century within the caldera left by the catastrophic 1883 eruption of Mount Krakatoa. That historical eruption was one of the deadliest in recorded history, claiming tens of thousands of lives and altering global climate patterns. Since its formation, Anak Krakatoa has been sporadically active, with occasional eruptions posing risks to surrounding communities and air travel.

The current activity comes as a reminder of Indonesia's vulnerability to geological hazards. The archipelago sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region characterized by intense volcanic and seismic activity. Indonesia is home to more than 120 active volcanoes, more than any other country in the world. This geological setting, while contributing to the nation's fertile soils and dramatic landscapes, also demands constant vigilance from disaster management agencies.

In response to the ongoing eruption, local authorities have set up evacuation shelters and distributed face masks to residents living within a five-kilometre radius of the volcano. The national disaster management agency has been coordinating with regional governments to monitor the situation and provide timely updates.

Airport officials have urged passengers to check with their airlines before heading to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, as the suspension may be extended depending on wind patterns and volcanic activity. Those affected are being offered rebooking options or refunds, though many have faced long waits in terminal queues.

Scientists from Indonesia's Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation have noted that the intensity of the eruptions has been fluctuating. They continue to monitor Anak Krakatoa closely, using seismic instruments and satellite imagery to track ash clouds. Prevailing winds have carried the ash westward, which has influenced the closure of airspace and the diversion of some flights.

The last major eruption of Anak Krakatoa occurred in December 2018, triggering a tsunami that struck coastal areas of Java and Sumatra, causing hundreds of casualties. That disaster highlighted the need for robust early-warning systems and community preparedness in the region.

As the situation develops, authorities remain focused on minimising risks to public safety and restoring normal operations as soon as conditions permit. The suspension of flights, while disruptive, is a precautionary measure to ensure that no aircraft encounters volcanic ash, which can severely damage engines and compromise safety.

Passengers are advised to stay informed through official channels and to cooperate with airline and airport staff during this period of uncertainty.