ANAK KRAKATAU ERUPTION DISRUPTS FLIGHTS, STRANDS 170,000 PASSENGERS

A volcanic eruption from Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau has severely disrupted air travel, forcing the closure of eight airports and affecting about 170,000 passengers. The volcano, located in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra, sent volcanic ash high into the atmosphere, creating dangerous conditions for aircraft and forcing authorities to suspend operations at several airports.

The disruption affected more than 1,500 flights, with Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport recording the largest impact. The airport alone had hundreds of flights cancelled or suspended, while other airports across Java and Sumatra also experienced closures, delays and diversions as ash spread across the region.

The eruption began after Anak Krakatau showed increased activity from Friday, with major eruptions recorded on Sunday. Ash clouds reportedly rose as high as 50,000 feet, prompting aviation authorities to restrict flights around affected areas. Several international airlines, including Singapore Airlines, AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines, cancelled services, leaving thousands of travellers stranded and waiting for alternative arrangements.

Authorities have advised residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and protect themselves from volcanic ash, including by wearing masks and reducing outdoor activities. Some schools in affected parts of Jakarta and Sumatra were also moved to remote learning, while officials worked on measures to reduce the concentration of ash in the atmosphere. No deaths or evacuation orders were reported in connection with the latest eruption.

The eruption has revived concerns over the dangers posed by Anak Krakatau, a volcano with a history of destructive activity. Authorities have maintained heightened monitoring and warned residents and visitors to keep away from the active crater as further volcanic activity remains possible. The latest disruption has also highlighted the vulnerability of Indonesia’s busy aviation network to volcanic ash, particularly given the country’s location along the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire.