Anak Krakatau eruption ash closes three Indonesian airports

September 6, 2026 at 08:19 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau forced the closure of three Indonesian airports, including Soekarno-Hatta International near Jakarta, on Sunday. The eruption, which began late Friday, sent ash plumes up to 15,000 metres high and prompted health warnings for residents in affected areas.

Key Facts

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport suspended flights until 1:30pm local time on Sunday due to increased eruptive activity of Anak Krakatau.
Three airports were temporarily closed because of volcanic ash from the eruption.
Ash plumes reached 6,000 metres on the Java side and up to 15,000 metres on the Sumatra side and parts of Banten province.
Residents in Tangerang reported volcanic ash covering balconies and other surfaces.
The Banten regional disaster agency issued an official warning and advised residents to wear masks, use protective eyewear, stay indoors, and keep doors and windows closed.

Flight Disruptions

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, located more than 150 km from the volcano, suspended flight operations on Sunday morning until 1:30pm local time. The suspension was attributed to increased eruptive activity of Mount Anak Krakatau. Tengrinews reported that three airports were temporarily closed, forcing passengers to adjust their flight schedules. The closures affected air travel in the region as volcanic ash spread across parts of Java and Sumatra.

Eruption and Ashfall

Anak Krakatau began erupting late on Friday, producing a fountain of lava and booming sounds heard up to 700 km away, according to meteorological agency BMKG. Two new eruptions were recorded on Sunday, the volcanology agency warned. Ash was detected as high as 6,000 metres on the Java side and a plume of up to 15,000 metres on the Sumatra side and parts of Banten province. Residents in Tangerang, a city near Jakarta, reported volcanic ash on balconies and other surfaces. The Banten regional disaster agency issued an official warning due to the declared danger level and spread of volcanic ash.

Health and Safety Measures

The Banten disaster agency urged residents to increase vigilance and take protective measures against volcanic materials. Exposure to volcanic ash poses serious health and environmental threats, the agency said. Residents were advised to wear masks and protective eyewear, stay indoors, and keep doors and windows tightly closed. Authorities in Malaysia had earlier declared a state of emergency in a city in Sarawak state on Borneo due to air pollution exceeding permitted thresholds.