Indonesia Volcano Eruption Strands 150,000 Passengers as Ash Disrupts Flights at 8 Airports

More than 150,000 air passengers have been affected in Indonesia after volcanic activity from Anak Krakatau disrupted aviation and forced authorities to temporarily suspend operations at eight airports.

The eruption, which began late Friday night, produced intense seismic activity, lava fountains and loud explosive sounds across nearby areas. Two additional eruptions were recorded early Sunday, according to authorities.

712 Flights Affected

Indonesia's Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said approximately 712 flights had been affected by the volcanic activity. He urged airlines to consider diverting flights to alternative airports where possible.

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta was among the first major facilities to suspend operations on Sunday after volcanic ash was detected in airspace around the airport.

The disruption has particularly affected flights connecting Indonesia with Singapore, while international services involving Doha, Sydney and Kuala Lumpur have also been impacted.

Authorities decided to expand the airport closures after monitoring showed that volcanic ash had moved towards West Java.

Purwagandhi also called on airlines to accelerate ticket-refund procedures for passengers whose flights were cancelled and provide timely updates to travellers with upcoming flights to prevent congestion at airports.

Volcanic Ash Reaches High Altitudes

Indonesia's meteorological agency, BMKG, reported that volcanic ash had reached approximately 20,000 feet (6,000 metres) over parts of Java east of the volcano.

On the western side, towards Sumatra, ash was detected at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet (15,000 metres).

The spread of ash has created major concerns for aviation because volcanic particles can pose serious risks to aircraft engines and visibility.

Despite the eruption, authorities have confirmed that there is currently no tsunami warning associated with the latest volcanic activity.

Health Warning Issued

Indonesia's Health Ministry has advised people in areas affected by volcanic ash to remain indoors and wear face masks.

Volcanic ash can cause irritation to the respiratory system, eyes and skin. Local reports said several schools suspended activities after students and residents complained of eye irritation.

Some fishermen also cancelled trips after experiencing similar problems while at sea.

Residents described thick layers of ash accumulating around their homes. Local media quoted one resident as saying that the particles felt like small grains of sand in his eyes and that he had to repeatedly clean the ash from outside his house.

Anak Krakatau's Dangerous History

Anak Krakatau, meaning "Child of Krakatoa," emerged from the sea in the early 20th century within the caldera created by the catastrophic 1883 eruption of Krakatoa.

The volcano has remained intermittently active over the decades.

Its most devastating recent event occurred in December 2018, when part of the volcano collapsed into the sea and generated a powerful tsunami. More than 400 people were killed, while thousands more were injured or displaced along coastal areas of Java and Sumatra.

Scientists later found that some of the rocks involved in the collapse were estimated to have been 70 to 90 metres high.

Indonesia's Location on the Ring of Fire

Indonesia sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world's most active geological zones.

The roughly 40,000-kilometre-long belt stretches around the Pacific and is associated with frequent earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tectonic activity.

Around 90% of the world's earthquakes occur along the Ring of Fire, which is also home to approximately 75% of the planet's active volcanoes.

The latest Anak Krakatau eruption has therefore prompted heightened monitoring as Indonesian authorities work to manage aviation disruption and protect communities exposed to volcanic ash.