Archive · 7 Sep 2026
Anak Krakatau Eruption Disrupts Flights Across Western Indonesia
Anak Krakatau is a volcano between the Indonesian islands of Java and Sumatra.
It became more active late Friday and erupted several times early Sunday.
The eruption sent ash high into the air and produced lava fountains and loud sounds.
Winds carried the ash over Jakarta and other parts of western Indonesia.
Because volcanic ash can damage airplane engines, Jakarta’s main airport stopped many flights.
Other airports and airlines also canceled or changed flights.
Schools canceled activities, and some fishermen stayed ashore because the ash irritated their eyes.
Officials told people to wear masks, protect their eyes and stay away from the crater.
Officials said there was no immediate tsunami danger, although the volcano remained active and was being closely monitored.
Anak Krakatau erupted early Sunday after activity intensified late Friday, producing lava fountains, ash clouds and booming sounds.
Ash plumes reaching about 20,000 and 50,000 feet spread across Jakarta, Banten, West Java, Lampung, Bengkulu, Sumatra and nearby waters.
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport suspended flights, with reports ranging from 209 to 467 affected flights and more than 22,000 to 150,000 passengers impacted.
Operations were also disrupted at Halim Perdanakusuma, Radin Inten II, Bali, Medan, Yogyakarta, Minangkabau, Supadio and other airports, with some closures extended into Monday.
No casualties, evacuation order or imminent tsunami threat were reported, while schools, fishing trips and maritime navigation were affected by ash and safety concerns.
- Who
- Anak Krakatau, Indonesian geological and transportation authorities, airports, airlines, passengers, residents, students and fishermen were involved or affected.
- What
- Anak Krakatau erupted and spread volcanic ash, disrupting air travel and affecting schools, fishing and maritime navigation.
- When
- Activity intensified late Friday; eruptions occurred early Sunday, with some airport closures and disruption continuing into Monday.
- Where
- The volcano is in Indonesia’s Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra; ash affected Jakarta, Banten, West Java, Lampung, Bengkulu, South Sumatra and surrounding waters.
- Why
- Flights were suspended or adjusted after volcanic ash was detected near airports and in surrounding airspace, creating aviation safety risks.
Early Disruption Reports
Later Disruption Reports
Scale of flight disruption
Early Disruption Reports
Early airport and transportation reports said 209 flights and more than 22,000 passengers were affected at Soekarno-Hatta.
Later Disruption Reports
Later reports cited 301 affected flights, then 467 flights affecting about 150,000 passengers at the airport; another report said more than 170,000 passengers were stranded across eight airports.
Airport closure duration
Early Disruption Reports
Initial notices described a suspension through 9:30 a.m., later extended to 1:30 p.m. or 5:30 p.m.
Later Disruption Reports
Later reports said Soekarno-Hatta was ordered closed until 11:59 p.m., while several airports extended closures into Monday evening.
Immediate hazard assessment
Early Disruption Reports
Authorities reported no casualties, evacuation order or imminent tsunami risk from the eruption.
Later Disruption Reports
Reports emphasized continuing volcanic activity and the volcano’s 2018 tsunami, which killed more than 400 people, as reasons for heightened vigilance.
- Volcano location
- Anak Krakatau is in Indonesia’s Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra, about 150 kilometers from Jakarta.
- Reported eruption timing
- The Geological Agency reported eruptions lasting about 30 seconds at 3:53 a.m. Sunday and about 16 seconds roughly three hours later; other reports described two new Sunday eruptions.
- Ash-cloud heights
- Authorities and the Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre identified plumes reaching approximately 20,000 feet and 50,000 feet.
- Reported flight impact
- Early reports cited 209 affected flights and 22,798 passengers; later reports cited 301 flights, then 467 flights affecting about 150,000 passengers at Soekarno-Hatta.
- Airport closures
- Soekarno-Hatta’s suspension was extended several times, with reports citing closures through 9:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 11:59 p.m.; a later report said several airports extended closures into Monday evening.
- Other disruptions
- At least eight airports were reported to have halted operations at different points, while schools canceled activities, fishermen canceled trips and ships were barred from entering a three-kilometer exclusion zone.
- Public safety
- No casualties, evacuation order or imminent tsunami threat were reported; authorities advised masks, eye protection, reduced outdoor activity, covered water sources and caution while driving.
Sources
Anak Krakatau erupts, volcanic ash disrupts flights at Jakarta airport and across western Indonesia
Flights suspended, schools closed as Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau volcano erupts
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Jakarta airport suspends flights due to ash from Anak Krakatau eruption
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