Indonesia's Soekarno-Hatta Airport Suspends Flights Due to Volcanic Ash from Mount Anak Krakatau Eruption
Quick Look
Indonesia's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport suspended flight operations for several hours due to volcanic ash from the ongoing eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, affecting 209 flights including international services, while ashfall disrupted activities in Lampung and Banten provinces, prompting school cancellations and health advisories.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Mount Anak Krakatau has been erupting since late on Friday, with volcanic ash detected at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport early on Sunday, leading to flight suspensions and ashfall in surrounding provinces.
In short:
Indonesia's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport has suspended flight operations for several hours due to volcanic ash from the ongoing eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau.
Dispersal of volcanic ash has disrupted activities in Lampung province in Indonesia's Sumatra island and Banten province on Java.
What's next?
Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency said there was no imminent risk of tsunami from the volcano.
Indonesia's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport has suspended flight operations for several hours due to volcanic ash from the ongoing eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, Jakarta's main airport has posted on Instagram.
The suspension, extending a halt to 9:30am local time (12:30pm AEST) that had been scheduled until 5:30am, has affected 209 flights, including several international flights, Indonesia's Transportation Ministry said.
Anak Krakatau has been erupting since late on Friday, with volcanic ash detected in the airport early on Sunday, the ministry said in a statement.
Dispersal of volcanic ash has disrupted activities in Lampung province in Indonesia's Sumatra island and Banten province on Java, said Berton Panjaitan, a spokesperson for Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency, Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Bencana (BNPB).
"BNPB urges the public to remain calm while increasing vigilance," he said.
"In the event of ashfall, people are advised to wear masks and eye protection, reduce outdoor activities, cover water sources and exercise caution when driving, as volcanic ash can reduce visibility."
Several schools cancelled activities on Saturday, with students and residents suffering eye irritation from the ash, while fishermen cancelled their fishing trips due to the eruption, local media outlet Kompas reported.
The disaster mitigation agency said on Saturday there was no imminent risk of tsunami from the volcano.
Reuters
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Flight operations will resume after the volcanic ash clears from the airport vicinity.
Likely · Within hours
Authorities will continue to monitor Mount Anak Krakatau for signs of increased activity or tsunami risk.
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- How long will the flight suspension last beyond 9:30am local time?
- What is the expected duration of the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption?
- Are there any long-term health monitoring plans for residents exposed to volcanic ash?