2 hrs ago
Jakarta Airports Halt Flights as Anak Krakatau Ash Spreads
Anak Krakatau is a volcano in Indonesia’s Sunda Strait.
It became more active and erupted early Sunday.
The eruption sent ash into the air over parts of Java and Sumatra.
Because ash can damage aircraft and make flying unsafe, several airports stopped or changed flights.
At Jakarta’s main airport, 209 flights and more than 22,000 passengers were affected.
Airlines canceled, delayed or rescheduled some services.
No deaths or evacuation orders were reported.
Officials said there was no immediate tsunami danger, but they told people to use masks and eye protection near ashfall.
Volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau’s eruption disrupted flights at airports in Jakarta, Lampung and elsewhere.
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport’s closure affected 209 flights and 22,798 passengers, according to Indonesia’s aviation authorities.
Reports gave differing reopening times for Soekarno-Hatta, ranging from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday.
Two ash clouds reached about 20,000 feet and 50,000 feet, spreading across parts of Java, Sumatra and surrounding waters.
No casualties or evacuation order were reported, while officials said there was no imminent tsunami risk and advised precautions against ash.
- Who
- Anak Krakatau, Indonesian aviation and disaster agencies, airports, airlines, passengers, residents and fishermen were involved or affected.
- What
- Volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau disrupted and suspended flights at several Indonesian airports.
- Where
- The main disruption occurred at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport near Jakarta, with effects reported across Jakarta, Banten, West Java, Lampung, Bengkulu and other areas.
- When
- The volcano erupted early Sunday after increased activity beginning Saturday and intensifying Friday night; airport closures occurred Sunday.
- Why
- Airports suspended or adjusted operations because drifting volcanic ash can threaten aircraft operations and reduce visibility.
Earlier Closure Report
Later Extended Closure Report
Soekarno-Hatta reopening time
Earlier Closure Report
Reuters reported that Soekarno-Hatta International Airport suspended operations until 9:30 a.m. Sunday.
Later Extended Closure Report
Bloomberg later reported that the closure had been extended until 1:30 p.m. Sunday.
Key facts
- Volcano
- Anak Krakatau, located in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra
- Soekarno-Hatta impact
- 209 flights and 22,798 passengers affected
- International flights
- Sixteen canceled, seven delayed and five rescheduled, according to the Transport Ministry official cited by Bloomberg
- Other airport closures
- Radin Inten II halted operations until 8 a.m.; Halim Perdanakusuma was reported closed until 10 a.m.
- Ash cloud heights
- One plume reached 20,000 feet and another reached 50,000 feet
- Affected regions
- Parts of Jakarta, Banten, West Java, Lampung, Bengkulu, South Sumatra and surrounding waters
- Safety assessment
- No casualties or evacuation order were reported, and Indonesia’s disaster agency said there was no imminent tsunami risk
- Reopening discrepancy
- Reports differed on Soekarno-Hatta’s reopening time: Reuters cited 9:30 a.m., while Bloomberg later reported an extension to 1:30 p.m.
Quotes
Captain Achmad Sadikin
Acting Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia Indonesia
“BNPB urges the public to remain calm while increasing vigilance. In the event of ashfall, people are advised to wear masks and eye protection, reduce outdoor activities, cover water sources and exercise caution when driving, as volcanic ash can reduce visibility.”
theprint.in
“The volcanic ash situation has also required operational adjustments to selected AirAsia services whose flight paths may be affected.”
livemint.com
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport
Jakarta’s international airport, which issued a travel advisory about the temporary flight suspension
“Due to increased activity from the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport has temporarily suspended flight operations from 5:30 a.m. to 9.30 a.m.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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