Anak Krakatoa volcanic eruption causes air traffic chaos in Indonesia

The eruption of the Anak Krakatau volcano in Indonesia continues to cause chaos in air traffic. The island state's largest airport, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport near the capital Jakarta, suspended flight operations until 11:59 p.m. Monday evening (local time, 6:59 p.m. CEST) due to the "increased eruption activity" of Anak Krakatau - but the closure had already been extended several times on Sunday. According to the Ministry of Transport, more than 270,000 people are stuck at airports.

On Saturday, Anak Krakatau, more than 150 kilometers from Jakarta, erupted and ejected a cloud of ash and lava. As a result, eight Indonesian airports ceased operations - a small airport in Sumatra has since resumed operations. Thousands of flights were canceled.

Air travelers were advised to regularly check the status of their flights with airlines. The Ministry of Transport also announced six alternative airports to which aircraft would be redirected. "We call on airlines to use these airports to avoid passenger congestion on arrival and departure," explained Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi. There should be free buses for the transfers, and the visa regulations have also been relaxed.

Authorities warn of possible further outbreaks

The likelihood of an eruption remains high, Indonesia's geology authority warned. She referred to the emission of glowing rocks, which was accompanied by heavy ash rain. A further danger arises “from lava flows if the eruption starts again and continues.”

Schools in Jakarta also remained closed on Monday as a protective measure against possible health risks from volcanic ash in the air. Authorities also asked ships to increase their vigilance when transiting the strait between Java and Sumatra. There was a security zone within a three kilometer radius of the Anak Krakatau that ships were not allowed to cross.

Indonesia lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates meet. As a result, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur again and again.