Operations at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Indonesia’s main international airport outside Jakarta, were suspended on Sunday after volcanic ash from Anak Krakatoa entered the surrounding airspace.
Mount Anak Krakatoa erupted on Saturday, sending lava into the air and producing loud sounds that were heard hundreds of kilometres away, according to the geology agency. Two more eruptions were recorded on Sunday, prompting further warnings from authorities.
The airport initially halted operations from 1:30 am to 5:30 am on Sunday, but the suspension was extended three times. The latest extension remained in place until 5:30 pm due to rising volcanic activity.
Indonesia’s Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said operations were also suspended at six other airports, including Hussein Sastranegara Airport in Bandung and Radin Inten II Airport near Bandar Lampung. Airports in Semarang and Surabaya were prepared for alternative landings.
The disruption affected more than 22,000 passengers and 209 flights, particularly services to and from Singapore. Routes involving Doha, Sydney and Kuala Lumpur were also affected, while at least 16 domestic flights connected to Bali were cancelled.
Passengers were forced to rearrange travel plans, with some flights booked as alternatives also being cancelled.
Ships crossing the strait were advised to remain vigilant over navigation safety.
