Indonesia Halts Jakarta Airport Operations Due to Anak Krakatoa Volcanic Ash
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Indonesia suspended operations at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport after volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatoa, located over 150 km away, was detected in the airspace, impacting more than 22,000 passengers and disrupting 209 flights, including 16 domestic flights to Bali.
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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, one of history's deadliest volcanic disasters.
Jakarta: Indonesia halted operations at its main international airport outside Jakarta on Sunday after ash spewed from the Anak Krakatoa volcano more than 150 kilometres away, impacting thousands of passengers.
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.
The suspension was later extended by four hours "due to increased eruptive activity", the airport said on social media.
More than 22,000 passengers have been impacted by the suspension, the transportation ministry said, adding that 209 flights were affected, in particular to and from Singapore.
At least 16 domestic flights to Bali were also cancelled, local airport authorities said.
Anak Krakatoa, which means Child of Krakatoa, sits in a strait that separates the islands of Java and Sumatra.
Ships passing through the strait should increase vigilance for possible disruption to navigation safety due to volcanic activities and are prohibited to approach within the exclusion zone of 3-kilometres radius from the volcano, local port authorities said in a statement.
The volcano 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.
Open Questions
- How long will the airport closure last?
- Are there any risks to maritime navigation in the strait beyond the current exclusion zone?
- What long-term monitoring measures are in place for Anak Krakatoa's activity?
