Soekarno‑Hatta International Airport, Indonesia’s busiest aviation hub, suspended all take‑offs and landings on Tuesday following an eruption of the Anak Krakatau volcano in the Sunda Strait, according to Al Jazeera. The volcanic activity generated an ash cloud that drifted toward the airport, prompting air traffic controllers to close the airspace as a safety precaution.
Airport officials reported that the suspension affected a range of carriers operating both domestic routes and long‑haul services, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. Airlines were instructed to hold aircraft on the ground and to cancel scheduled departures until visibility and air‑quality conditions improved.
Meteorological agencies measured the ash plume at a height of several kilometres, a level that can impair aircraft engines and cockpit instrumentation. Aviation safety regulators advised that even low concentrations of volcanic ash pose a significant risk to flight operations, leading to the decision to ground flights until the ash dissipated.
The eruption of Anak Krakatau, which has been active since its emergence in 1927, follows a series of recent volcanic events in the region, including the 2018 eruption that triggered a deadly tsunami. Local authorities have been monitoring the volcano closely, and the latest activity prompted the issuance of a temporary aviation warning for the surrounding airspace.
By late afternoon, the airport began a phased reopening as ash levels fell below the threshold deemed hazardous for aircraft. Some airlines resumed limited services, while others continued to cancel flights pending further assessment. Passengers were advised to check with their carriers for updated schedules and to remain at the airport for assistance.
The incident underscores the vulnerability of Indonesia’s transport infrastructure to natural hazards, particularly in a country situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Aviation officials reiterated that safety remains the priority and that protocols for volcanic ash encounters will continue to guide operational decisions.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Al Jazeera — All News — original source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/6/indonesias-main-airport-suspends-flights-due-to-anak-krakatoa-eruption?traffic_source=rss.