764 Flights Disrupted at Soekarno-Hatta as Anak Krakatau Ash Closes Indonesian Airspace Amid Natural Disasters
Mount Anak Krakatau in Indonesia erupted over the weekend, spreading volcanic ash that prompted the temporary closure of airspace at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and affected hundreds of flights while also causing unhealthy air quality in parts of southern Sumatra. These natural disasters have led to widespread disruptions across multiple regions.
Flight Disruptions at Major Indonesian Airport
Indonesia’s state-owned airport operator recorded 764 scheduled flights affected at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport following the temporary closure of its airspace due to volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau. [2] The affected movements comprised 570 domestic passenger flights, 185 international passenger flights, and nine cargo flights. [2] The temporary suspension of flight operations at Indonesia's main international gateway was extended until 5:30 p.m. WIB on Sunday following a Notice to Airmen issued by air navigation provider AirNav Indonesia. [2] Airport management activated the Service Recovery Action protocol and established an operational command post at Terminal 1B. [2] Authorities provided food and beverages to stranded passengers, deployed shuttle buses to nearby hotels, and opened special rest areas including the terminal Employee Lounge. [2] Terminal retail and food tenants were instructed to operate 24 hours. [2]
Widespread Airport Suspensions and Travel Chaos
An eruption of Indonesia's Mount Anak Krakatau caused six airports to suspend flight operations on Sunday. [3] Soekarno-Hatta International Airport suspended flight operations until 1:30 p.m. due to volcanic ash, stranding hundreds of passengers. [3] The suspension affected 301 flights including 58 international flights. [3] Singapore Airlines cancelled flights to and from Jakarta for the rest of the day. [3] Volcanic ash reached heights of 6,000 meters on the Java side and 15,000 meters on the Sumatra side. [3] The airport operator provided food and light refreshments for affected passengers and buses to hotels in coordination with the airlines. [3] The disaster mitigation agency BNPB said it would conduct a weather modification operation which could include cloud-seeding on Sunday to promote rain. [3]
Air Quality Deterioration in Sumatra and Java
Indonesia's Environment Ministry is monitoring air quality in areas affected by Mount Anak Krakatau's ash with several southern Sumatra locations registering “very unhealthy” conditions. [1] Data recorded through 2 p.m. Sunday showed “very unhealthy” readings at stations in Palembang Bukit Kecil, Penukal Abab Lematang Ilir and Ogan Ilir. [1] “Unhealthy” readings were recorded in Lahat, Musi Rawas, Prabumulih, Musi Banyuasin Serasan Jaya, Tebo, Jambi Paal Lima and Tanjung Jabung Timur Muara Sabak. [1] “Moderate” air quality was recorded in Muara Enim, Bengkulu Singaran Pati and Bandar Lampung Talang. [1] In Java monitoring stations in Greater Jakarta and Banten recorded moderate conditions. [1] The ministry said seasonal forest and land fires in southern Sumatra were also contributing to particulate pollution. [1] Officials urged residents to remain calm, follow official government information and monitor changes in air quality. [1] Children, older people, pregnant women and those with respiratory problems were advised to wear protective masks when outdoor activity is necessary. [1]
Government Response and Mitigation Efforts
The disaster mitigation agency BNPB said it would conduct a weather modification operation which could include cloud-seeding on Sunday to promote rain so that volcanic ash will be washed away quickly. [3] BNPB urges the public to remain calm while increasing vigilance. [3] In the event of ashfall people are advised to wear masks and eye protection, reduce outdoor activities, cover water sources and exercise caution when driving. [3] Ferries in Sunda Strait were operating normally with vessels urged to stay at least 3 km away from Anak Krakatau's crater. [3] Several schools canceled activities on Saturday after students and residents suffered eye irritations from the ash. [3]
Concurrent Eruption at Mount Semeru
Mount Semeru in East Java also erupted on Sunday sending an ash column 1 km above the summit. [3] Residents were advised to stay at least 5 km away from the crater. [3] Five Indonesian volcanoes at alert level 3 including Anak Krakatau and Semeru remain at that status. [3] The disaster mitigation agency said there was no imminent risk of tsunami from the volcano. [3]
Volcanic Background and Ongoing Vigilance
Indonesia sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" where earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are frequent. [3] Anak Krakatau has been on alert level 3 the second-highest since July 2. [3] Semeru was also on level 3 as were three other volcanoes: Merapi, Lewotobi Laki-laki and Sinabung. [3] A tsunami in 2018 caused by Anak Krakatau eruptions killed more than 400 on Java and Sumatra. [3] Anak Krakatau emerged a century ago from the area once occupied by Krakatau. [3] The older volcano destroyed itself in mass eruptions in 1883 which killed more than 36,000 people in a series of tsunamis. [3]
What to watch next: Authorities will continue monitoring ash dispersion for staged operational recovery at affected airports while the Environment Ministry conducts further technical studies on particulate levels and universities assist with ash impact monitoring.
