Indonesia closes Jakarta airport due to volcanic ash from Anak Krakatoa eruption
Quick Look
- Indonesia suspended operations at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Sunday after volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatoa, located over 150 km away, was detected in the surrounding airspace.
- The eruption, which began Saturday, produced lava fountains and booming sounds audible up to 700 km away.
- More than 22,000 passengers and 209 flights were affected, particularly those to and from Singapore.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Anak Krakatoa emerged from the sea in the early 20th century within the caldera formed by the 1883 eruption of Mount Krakatoa, which caused an estimated 35,000 deaths and is considered one of the deadliest volcanic disasters in history.
Jakarta: Indonesia halted operations at its main international airport outside Jakarta on Sunday due to ash spewed from the Anak Krakatoa volcano, more than 150 kilometres away.
Mount Anak Krakatoa erupted on Saturday, producing a fountain of lava and booming sounds that could be heard up to 700 kilometres (435 miles) away, the geology agency said in a statement.
Two new eruptions were recorded on Sunday, the volcanology agency warned.
Ash from the volcano was detected in the airspace surrounding Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, prompting authorities to suspend operations from 01:30 am Sunday (Saturday 1830 GMT).
"The latest paper test…showed positive results indicating the spread of volcanic ash in the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport area, consequently the airport closure was extended until Sunday at 09:30 am (0230 GMT), " the transport ministry said in a statement Sunday.
More than 22,000 passengers have been impacted by the suspension, the ministry said, adding that 209 flights were affected, in particular to and from Singapore.
Anak Krakatoa, which means Child of Krakatoa, sits in a strait that separates the islands of Java and Sumatra.
It has been sporadically active since it emerged from the sea at the beginning of last century in the caldera formed after the 1883 eruption of Mount Krakatoa.
That disaster was one of the deadliest and most destructive in history with an estimated 35,000 people killed.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Airport operations will resume after the extended closure period ends at 09:30 am local time on Sunday if ash levels decrease.
Likely · Within hours
Open Questions
- How long will the airport closure last beyond the currently extended time?
- Are there any health risks to residents in nearby areas due to ash fallout?
- What is the current alert level for Mount Anak Krakatoa?
- Will flight diversions to other airports cause significant delays or cancellations?
