Anak Krakatau Volcano Erupts, Airport Closures Strand Over 340,000 Across Indonesia
The eruption of Anak Krakatau volcano near Jakarta forced the closure of seven airports across Indonesia on September 7, cancelling around 3,000 flights and stranding over 340,000 people. Five airports, including Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta, reopened on September 8, but volcanic alert levels remain high. Flights connected to Bali were also affected, with reports of stranded tourists including a newlywed couple.
Indonesia's Anak Krakatau volcano, located in the Sunda Strait about 150km from Jakarta, began erupting late on September 4, spewing lava and ash. Volcanic ash reportedly reached altitudes of 6,000 metres over Java and 15,000 metres over Sumatra and parts of Banten province, blanketing skies over Jakarta and Lampung. As a result, seven airports across Indonesia closed for two consecutive days starting September 7, cancelling roughly 3,000 flights and stranding more than 340,000 people nationwide. Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport delayed its planned 6pm reopening on September 7 but reopened at 12:30am on September 8 after wind shifted the ash cloud. Five airports, including Halim Perdanakusuma in Jakarta, reopened by September 8, while two remained closed. Departure halls at Soekarno-Hatta were crowded with passengers seeking refunds or flight updates, with some opting to travel overland instead. A newlywed Malaysian couple who had been staying in Bali reportedly could not secure a flight to Kuala Lumpur until September 11. Indonesia's Geological Agency has warned that further eruptions remain likely and has banned entry within a 3km radius of the crater for both land access and shipping. No tsunami warning has been issued in connection with the current activity, though the volcano triggered a deadly tsunami after a partial collapse in December 2018 that killed more than 400 people.
Things to Consider
If flying to, from, or within Indonesia including Bali, check airline and airport websites for real-time flight status right up until departure. Prepare for possible cancellations or delays by budgeting for extra accommodation nights and understanding refund/rebooking procedures in advance. Avoid the area within a 3km radius of Anak Krakatau's crater and related waters given ongoing volcanic activity. Consider alternative transport such as overland or rail travel, and ensure your passport and visa remain valid well beyond your expected departure date in case of extended delays.
Source: BBCγγ₯γΌγΉ