Archive · 6 Sep 2026
Anak Krakatau Ash Disrupts Regional Flights, Jakarta Airport Halted
Mount Anak Krakatau, a volcano in Indonesia, erupted and sent ash high into the sky.
The ash spread across areas used by airplanes.
Because volcanic ash can damage airplane engines and block pilots’ visibility, Jakarta’s main airport temporarily stopped flights.
Many flights were cancelled, delayed, or moved to different times.
AirAsia, Garuda Indonesia, and Singapore Airlines changed their schedules.
Singapore Airlines cancelled nearly 20 flights between Singapore and Jakarta.
Officials continued watching the ash clouds and coordinating with airlines.
They said there was no immediate tsunami danger for people living near the coast.
Passengers were told to check their flight status before going to the airport.
Explosive activity at Mount Anak Krakatau sent ash plumes as high as 50,000 feet.
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport temporarily halted operations after runway sweeps found volcanic ash.
Indonesia reported 16 international cancellations and numerous delayed arrivals.
AirAsia, Garuda Indonesia, and Singapore Airlines cancelled, delayed, or rescheduled flights.
Authorities said the eruption posed no immediate tsunami threat, but ash movement remained a flight risk.
- Who
- Mount Anak Krakatau, Indonesian aviation authorities, and airlines including Garuda Indonesia, AirAsia, and Singapore Airlines were involved.
- What
- An eruption produced high ash plumes, temporarily halting Jakarta airport operations and disrupting regional flights.
- When
- The latest eruptive phase began late Friday, with major flight disruptions reported on Sunday, September 6.
- Where
- The disruption centered on Soekarno-Hatta International Airport near Jakarta and affected routes between Indonesia, Singapore, and other Southeast Asian locations.
- Why
- Volcanic ash accumulated on runways and created risks to aircraft engines and cockpit visibility.
Flight Safety Priority
Passenger and Airline Disruption
Temporary airport shutdown
Flight Safety Priority
Aviation authorities said stopping operations was necessary because volcanic ash can damage jet engines and reduce cockpit visibility.
Passenger and Airline Disruption
The shutdown caused cancellations, delays, and reroutings for passengers and airlines across regional routes.
Duration of the suspension
Flight Safety Priority
Officials extended the halt after runway inspections found dangerous ash accumulations and said safety required continued monitoring.
Passenger and Airline Disruption
Airlines had to repeatedly adjust schedules because the ash cloud’s movement remained fluid, creating uncertainty for travelers.
- Volcano
- Mount Anak Krakatau
- Ash plume height
- Up to 50,000 feet
- Main airport affected
- Soekarno-Hatta International Airport
- Reported international cancellations
- 16 during the early hours
- Singapore Airlines cancellations
- Nearly 20 Singapore-Jakarta flights
- Airport suspension
- Initially extended until mid-afternoon; AirAsia cited a halt until 9:30 a.m. local time
- Tsunami risk
- Authorities reported no immediate threat to coastal populations