Mount Anak Krakatau eruption disrupts air travel across Indonesia

Mount Anak Krakatau in Indonesia began erupting late on Friday, triggering a significant disruption to regional air traffic and daily life. Volcanic ash, which reached altitudes of up to 50,000 feet, forced the closure of multiple airports, including Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Authorities reported that over 2,000 flights were grounded and approximately 270,000 passengers were left stranded as the eruption continued through the weekend and into Monday.

The Indonesian transport ministry and meteorological agency, BMKG, confirmed that ash spread across Java and Sumatra, necessitating the suspension of flight operations at four major airports. The closures were extended until 18:00 on Monday due to persistent seismic activity and air quality concerns. Beyond aviation, the environmental impact included the disruption of shipping operations, while schools in the affected regions shifted to online learning formats to ensure student safety.

Passengers remain stranded at airport terminals, facing crowded conditions as they seek refunds and rebooking options. While initial reports cited 301 cancelled flights on Sunday, the scale of the disruption grew by Monday, with thousands of flights affected. Authorities are continuing to monitor the volcano, which remains seismically active, while waiting for improved conditions before resuming regular airport operations.