Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Air travel in Indonesia's capital region, Jakarta, became normal on Tuesday after a two-day disruption caused by volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau, which led to the cancellation of nearly 2,961 flights, including 622 international services, and affected around 341,000 passengers.
Indonesia's Airports Resumed Operations
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in Jakarta, along with Husein Sastranegara Airport in Bandung, West Java, and two smaller airports in Banten province, reopened shortly after midnight. Indonesia's Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said three other airports, including Radin Inten II Airport in Lampung, southern Sumatra, remained closed until 10 am despite improving conditions. Atung Bungsu Airport in Pagar Alam, South Sumatra, had already resumed normal operations on Monday morning.
Authorities decided to reopen airports cautiously because wind direction can change quickly and could carry volcanic ash back towards airports. Although tests at several airports found no ash, officials used the additional closure period to inspect and clean runways, taxiways, aircraft and other equipment that may have been exposed to ash.
Volcanic Eruption in Indonesia Affected Air Travel and Daily Life
Anak Krakatau is located in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra. The volcano emerged from the remains of the famous Krakatau volcano, whose 1883 eruption had global effects. In 2018, an Anak Krakatau eruption triggered a tsunami that killed at least 430 people in Java and Sumatra.
The continuous eruption at Anak Krakatau had weakened on Sunday, but the volcano remained active on Tuesday. Two more eruptions were recorded at 5:08 am and 5:34 am, although the height of the ash clouds could not be determined. The volcanic ash also affected daily life in several areas. Schools in regions affected by ashfall were allowed to shift temporarily to online classes to reduce students' exposure.
The volcano has remained at Indonesia's second-highest alert level since July. Authorities have advised residents, tourists, and fishermen to stay at least 3 kilometres away from the active crater.