Volcanic eruption at Anak Krakatoa halts flights at Jakarta airport
Quick Look
- A volcanic eruption at Mount Anak Krakatoa suspended 209 flights at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, impacting over 22,000 passengers.
- Ash detection led to flight suspensions extended until 13:30 local time, affecting routes to Singapore, Doha, Sydney and Kuala Lumpur.
- Authorities urged residents to stay indoors and wear masks due to health risks from ash, while confirming no tsunami threat.
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. Indonesia is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, known for frequent volcanic and seismic activity.
A volcanic eruption has halted hundreds of flights at Indonesia's main international airport, stranding tens of thousands of passengers.
Authorities said 209 flights were suspended after ash from Mount Anak Krakatoa was detected in airspace near Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Sunday morning.
The volcano had started erupting late on Friday night, generating continuous seismic activity, lava fountains, and booming sounds across surrounding regions. Two more eruptions happened early on Sunday, authorities said.
More than 22,000 people have been impacted by the suspension of flights, which has been extended until 13:30 (0630 GMT).
The transport ministry said the pause in operations mainly affected flights to and from Singapore, also other international routes including Doha, Sydney and Kuala Lumpur.
Authorities have confirmed there is no tsunami warning linked to the recent activity of the volcano, which is in the Sunda Strait between the islands of Java and Sumatra.
The health minister has urged residents in affected areas to stay indoors and wear face masks to protect against respiratory, eye, and skin risks.
Anak Krakatoa, which means Child of Krakatoa, 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.
Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where there is high volcanic and seismic activity.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Flight operations will resume after the suspension ends at 13:30 local time if ash levels decrease
Likely · Within hours
Open Questions
- What is the expected duration of the volcanic activity?
- Are there any long-term environmental impacts from the ash fall?
- Will flight operations resume normally after the suspension ends?
