Indonesia Volcano Erupts Again: 8 Airports Shut, 170,000 Passengers Stranded

Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau volcano erupted again, sending volcanic ash into surrounding airspace and triggering widespread disruption across the country's aviation network. Eight airports were forced to suspend operations, affecting around 170,000 passengers and delaying more than 1,500 flights.

The renewed volcanic activity prompted authorities to halt operations at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Indonesia’s main international aviation hub, along with seven other airports. The airport closures were extended into Monday as officials continued monitoring increased eruptive activity and the movement of volcanic ash.

Indonesia’s transport ministry said 1,558 flights were delayed across the eight affected airports. More than 900 of those flights were connected to Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, causing major disruption to domestic and international travel.

Airports in several other cities were also affected, including Bandung and areas near Bandar Lampung. Authorities prepared airports serving Semarang and Surabaya to accommodate diverted flights and provide alternative landing options where possible.

Thousands of travellers were forced to cancel, postpone or rearrange their journeys as airlines suspended and rescheduled services. The disruption came after volcanic ash entered flight paths, creating potentially dangerous conditions for aircraft.

Volcanic ash can pose serious risks to aviation by reducing visibility and damaging aircraft engines and other critical systems. Even airports located far from an active volcano can face operational restrictions when ash clouds drift into major air corridors.

The impact of Anak Krakatau’s eruption also extended beyond airports. Authorities in Jakarta announced that schools across the capital would shift to online classes from Monday amid heightened volcanic activity. Ash was also reported in Bandar Lampung, where roadsides and parked vehicles were covered with volcanic material.

Indonesia’s volcanology agency said Anak Krakatau first erupted on Saturday, producing lava fountains and powerful explosions. Two further eruptions were recorded on Sunday, increasing concerns over ash movement in the region.

The volcano is located in the Sunda Strait between the islands of Java and Sumatra. Authorities have imposed a three-kilometre exclusion zone around Anak Krakatau and warned ships operating in the Sunda Strait to remain vigilant.

Officials said the latest eruptions were not expected to trigger a tsunami. However, residents and visitors have been warned against entering the restricted area because of the danger posed by volcanic debris and material ejected during eruptions.

The warning carries particular significance because Anak Krakatau was responsible for a deadly tsunami in December 2018, when part of the volcano collapsed into the sea. The resulting tsunami struck coastal areas of Java and Sumatra, killing hundreds of people and displacing thousands.

Anak Krakatau, meaning “Child of Krakatau”, emerged in the early 20th century within the caldera created by the catastrophic 1883 eruption of Mount Krakatau.

Indonesia remains one of the world's most volcanically active countries because of its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates meet. Authorities are continuing to monitor Anak Krakatau, track volcanic ash movement and assess when affected airspace and airports can safely resume normal operations.