Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta Airport was temporarily closed due to volcanic ash after the Anak Krakatau eruption
Quick Look
Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta Airport was closed due to volcanic ash following the Anak Krakatau eruption, leading to cancellations, delays and rescheduling of 33 flights, including international and domestic flights, with possible further disruptions to schedules and congestion at terminals.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Anak Krakatau eruption began on the evening of September 4, accompanied by the ejection of hot material, a lava fountain effect and tremors felt in the provinces of Banten, Lampung and West Java.
Brief retelling from RIA II
Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta Airport was temporarily closed due to volcanic ash following the Anak Krakatau eruption.
The airport closure affected 33 flights, including canceled, delayed and rescheduled international and domestic flights.
Aviation authorities warned of possible further disruptions to schedules and congestion at passenger terminals due to the airport closure.
JAKARTA, September 6 – RIA Novosti. Indonesia's largest airport, Soekarno-Hatta in Jakarta, was temporarily closed due to volcanic ash after the Anak Krakatoa eruption, restrictions affecting more than 30 flights, CNBC Indonesia reports, citing the country's general civil aviation authority.
The airport was closed on Sunday from 01.30 (21.30 Moscow time Saturday) to 05.30 (01.30 Moscow time) after an overnight inspection revealed volcanic ash in the airport area. Later the restrictions were extended until 09.30 (05.30 Moscow time).
"A total of 33 flights were seriously affected by the spread of volcanic material," Indonesian Civil Aviation Director General Lukman F. Laisa said.
The situation has most seriously affected international air travel. 16 international flights were cancelled, seven more were delayed and five were rescheduled. Communication between Jakarta and Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney, Seoul, Doha, Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur has been disrupted.
In addition, four domestic flights were canceled and another plane was diverted to another airport. Among the destinations affected by the restrictions are the island of Bali, popular with foreign tourists, as well as Surabaya and Lampung.
Aviation authorities have warned that the impact of the airport closure could lead to further disruption, including disrupted aircraft rotations, a shortage of reserve aircraft, delays to onward flights and congestion at passenger terminals.
Anak Krakatau's series of eruptions began on the evening of September 4, according to the Indonesian Geological Agency. The volcano ejected hot material, a “lava fountain” effect was observed, and roars and tremors were felt in several areas of the provinces of Banten, Lampung and West Java. Authorities maintain the third of four alert levels and prohibit approaching the crater closer than three kilometers.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Further disruptions to the schedule are possible due to aircraft rotation and lack of reserve aircraft.
Likely · Within days
Passenger terminals may become congested due to congestion of passengers
Possible · Within days
Open Questions
- How long will Anak Krakatau volcanic activity last?
- Will there be additional restrictions on flights in the region?
- How do airlines plan to compensate for losses from canceled flights?
