Operations at eight airports in Indonesia, including the main international hub in Jakarta, were suspended on Sunday due to an ash cloud from the Anak Krakatau volcano. The eruption, which occurred on Saturday, sent ash soaring up to 15,000 meters (50,000 feet) into the atmosphere, impacting hundreds of flights.
According to Indonesia’s geological agency, the eruption produced significant lava flows and loud noises that were audible up to 700 kilometers (435 miles) away. Two additional eruptions were recorded on Sunday, further complicating the situation.
Authorities detected ash in the airspace surrounding Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, prompting a series of operational suspensions. The airport remained closed to flights until 9:30 PM local time on Sunday, affecting numerous international routes.
Singapore Airlines announced the cancellation of all flights to and from Jakarta for the remainder of Sunday, while Qantas reported disruptions to several services, including cancellations. The airline emphasized that safety is their top priority and that they are closely monitoring conditions.
Volcanic ash poses a serious risk to aviation, potentially damaging jet engines and obstructing fuel and air systems. It can also impair pilots’ visibility by damaging windscreens.
The ash cloud reached altitudes of 6,000 meters (20,000 feet) on the Java side of the volcano and 15,000 meters on the Sumatra side, according to the meteorological agency BMKG. Local schools canceled activities after reports of eye irritation among students and residents, while fishing trips were also suspended.
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) announced plans for weather modification operations, including cloud-seeding, to induce rainfall that could help clear the ash. BNPB Chief Lt Gen Suharyanto stated that heavy rain would quickly wash away the volcanic ash affecting daily life.
More than 22,000 passengers and 209 flights have been impacted, particularly those traveling to and from Singapore, with additional disruptions reported on international routes to Doha, Sydney, and Kuala Lumpur. At least 16 domestic flights to Bali were also canceled.
Anak Krakatau, meaning “child of Krakatau,” is located in the strait between Java and Sumatra. The volcano has been intermittently active since its emergence from the sea following the catastrophic 1883 eruption of Mount Krakatau, which claimed approximately 35,000 lives.
Port authorities have restricted vessels from entering a two-mile radius around the volcano and urged caution for those navigating the strait.