Volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau has led to the closure of seven airports in Indonesia, causing disruptions to approximately 2,300 flights

Volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau has led to the closure of seven Indonesian airports, causing disruptions to 2,300 flights and impacting over 270,000 travelers.

Seven Indonesian airports, including two that serve Jakarta, were closed on Monday due to volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau, impacting over 270,000 passengers and disrupting air travel.

The transport ministry reported that approximately 2,300 flights have experienced delays, diversions, or cancelations since the volcano began erupting late Friday.

Anak Krakatau, situated between the islands of Java and Sumatra, has covered Jakarta and nearby regions with volcanic ash, leading authorities to close airports due to safety concerns.

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Jakarta's primary airport located in nearby Tangerang, was set to remain closed until 6 p.m. local time on Monday, along with six other airports. Another airport in South Sumatra has reopened.

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi stated that authorities are unable to predict when the disruption will conclude due to fluctuating weather conditions.

“We cannot determine when the disruption will conclude because of the unpredictable weather,” Purwagandhi stated.

On Monday at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, passengers gathered around information boards, eagerly seeking updates on their flights, while others rested on benches amid the ongoing disruption.


Carlos Zabala, 24, was returning to his native Spain after a holiday and expressed frustration over the repeated delays of his flight, highlighting the absence of clear communication from the operators.

“All we need to do is wait, and wait, and wait,” he remarked.

President Prabowo Subianto led a virtual meeting on Monday with officials to address the volcanic eruption, the August 15 earthquake that resulted in over 130 fatalities in eastern Indonesia, and the persistent forest fires.

Prabowo emphasized the necessity for Indonesia to substantially boost its disaster mitigation budget due to its susceptibility to natural disasters.

“This is our destiny, a country located in the ring of fire,” he stated, emphasizing the necessity for additional helicopters and water pumps to enhance disaster response efforts.

“In the future, we will take proactive measures.”