Indonesia closed seven airports due to ash from Anak Krakatau
Anak Krakatau began erupting late on Friday evening and sent an ash column up to 15 km high. Indonesian authorities closed seven airports, including Soekarno-Hatta in Jakarta, and more than 2,300 flights were cancelled or delayed.
Sources
· 4Индонезия закрыла семь аэропортов из-за пепла вулкана Анак-Кракатау
1Аэропорт Джакарты Сукарно-Хатта приостановил рейсы из-за извержения Анак-Кракатау
2Извержение Анак-Кракатау: пепел закрыл три аэропорта Индонезии
3Anak Krakatau: Indonesia flights rerouted as volcano alert level raised
4Key points
- The eruption of the Anak Krakatau volcano led to the closure of seven Indonesian airports, including Soekarno-Hatta.
- More than 2,300 flights were cancelled or delayed, and more than 270,000 passengers faced travel disruptions.
- Soekarno-Hatta Airport suspended arrivals and departures on 6 September after volcanic ash was confirmed.
- Authorities moved schools in Jakarta and Lampung to remote learning and declared an alert status.
What happened
Indonesia's Ministry of Transportation closed Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and six other airports for safety reasons until weather conditions stabilized; the closures affected the capital's two main air hubs. In particular, Soekarno-Hatta Airport suspended arrivals and departures on 6 September: the restriction was imposed at 01:30 and extended until 09:30, or until 13:30 according to other information. Later reports showed more than 2,300 flights were cancelled or delayed and more than 270,000 passengers were affected.
Why it matters
Soekarno-Hatta Airport is located more than 150 km from the volcano, yet the ash reached the airspace. Authorities declared an alert status, moved schools in Jakarta and Lampung to remote learning, and warned residents of affected areas about health hazards. The air traffic agency closed routes because of a "red alert".