Volcano eruption triggers flight suspensions at Indonesia's main airport
More than 20,000 passengers are stranded after ash was detected in airspace near Jakarta following volcanic eruptions.
Volcanic eruption causes flight suspensions at Indonesia’s main airport
A volcanic eruption has grounded hundreds of flights at Indonesia’s main international airport, leaving tens of thousands of passengers stranded.
Officials 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 began erupting late on Friday night, producing ongoing seismic activity, lava fountains, and loud booming noises across nearby regions. Authorities said two additional eruptions occurred early on Sunday.
More than 22,000 people have been affected by the flight suspension, which has been extended until 13:30 (0630 GMT).
The transport ministry said the interruption in operations mainly hit flights to and from Singapore, as well as other international routes including Doha, Sydney and Kuala Lumpur.
Authorities have confirmed there is no tsunami warning connected to the volcano’s recent activity. The volcano is located in the Sunda Strait between the islands of Java and Sumatra.
The health minister has urged people in affected areas to remain indoors and wear face masks to guard against respiratory, eye, and skin risks.
Anak Krakatoa, meaning Child of Krakatoa, has been intermittently active since it emerged from the sea at the start of the last century in the caldera created after the 1883 eruption of Mount Krakatoa.
Indonesia lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area marked by intense volcanic and seismic activity.