2 hrs ago
Anak Krakatau Ash Shuts Seven Indonesian Airports, Disrupting Flights
Mount Anak Krakatau in Indonesia has been erupting since late Friday.
The volcano is between the islands of Java and Sumatra.
Winds carried its ash over Jakarta and other nearby areas.
Volcanic ash can damage airplane engines, so seven airports were closed for safety.
More than 270,000 travellers were affected by delays, diversions and cancellations.
One airport in South Sumatra reopened, but Jakarta’s main airport was scheduled to stay closed until Monday evening.
Officials said changing weather made it hard to know when flights could return to normal.
The volcano monitoring agency said more eruptions were still possible.
People were told to wear masks outside, and some schools moved classes online.
Volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau forced seven Indonesian airports, including two serving Jakarta, to close.
Indonesia’s Transport Ministry said about 2,300 flights were delayed, diverted or cancelled, affecting more than 270,000 travellers.
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport was scheduled to remain closed until 6 p.m. Monday, while one South Sumatra airport reopened.
Sulphur- and silica-laden ash rose as high as 50,000 feet and posed risks to aircraft engines and flight safety.
Authorities warned that further eruptions were likely, advised outdoor mask use and shifted schools in Jakarta and Lampung to remote learning.
- Who
- Indonesia’s transport and disaster authorities, airport operators, aviation experts, passengers and residents were affected by the eruption.
- What
- Mount Anak Krakatau erupted and spread volcanic ash, disrupting air travel and prompting airport closures and public-health precautions.
- Where
- The ash came from Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra and spread across Jakarta, Banten, Lampung, West Java and nearby areas.
- When
- The volcano began erupting late Friday; an additional eruption was recorded at 8:23 p.m. Sunday, and seven airports remained closed Monday morning.
- Why
- Authorities closed airports because volcanic ash could damage aircraft engines and threaten flight safety; masks and remote schooling were introduced because of health concerns.
Safety Authorities and Experts
Affected Travellers
Airport closures
Safety Authorities and Experts
Authorities and aviation experts said closures were necessary because volcanic ash can damage aircraft engines and endanger flight safety.
Affected Travellers
Passengers faced repeated delays, unclear schedules and long waits at Soekarno-Hatta airport, with some sleeping on benches.
Return to normal operations
Safety Authorities and Experts
Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said officials could not determine when flights would normalize because weather conditions were changing.
Affected Travellers
Travellers sought clearer information from airlines and airport operators about their repeatedly delayed or cancelled flights.
Key facts
- Airports closed
- Seven Indonesian airports, including two serving Jakarta
- Passenger impact
- More than 270,000 travellers affected
- Flight disruption
- About 2,300 flights delayed, diverted or cancelled
- Jakarta airport
- Soekarno-Hatta International Airport was scheduled to remain closed until 6 p.m. Monday local time
- Ash height
- Ash clouds reached about 20,000 feet over the Java side and up to 50,000 feet toward Sumatra and parts of Banten
- Eruption risk
- The monitoring agency recorded an eruption at 8:23 p.m. Sunday and said the probability of further eruptions remained high
- Public-health measures
- People were advised to wear masks outdoors, while schools in Jakarta and Lampung shifted to remote learning
Quotes
Dudy Purwagandhi
Indonesia’s transport minister
“We continue to evaluate the volcano's development based on all monitoring data, not solely on the number of eruptions or the height of the ash column.”
freepressjournal.in
“It's a natural disaster, it's a force majeure, so, what can we do?”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
Indonesia Volcano Crisis: Anak Krakatau Eruption Shuts Jakarta Airport, Disrupts 467 Flights And Affects 150,000 Passengers | Watch
Seven Indonesian airports closed due to Anak Krakatau volcanic ash, 270,000 travellers affected
Anak Krakatau eruption: Seven Indonesian airports remain shut as volcanic ash disrupts air travel
Seven Indonesian airports remain shut due to volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau – ThePrint – ReutersFeed
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