Anak Krakatau erupted again on September 6, and ash temporarily halted operations at Jakarta’s two airports and six others. BBC News and AP News reported that the eight-airport closure affected about 170,000 passengers and 1,558 flights. Authorities said operational decisions would follow the plume’s movement and airspace measurements, while volcanologists could not predict whether a larger eruption would follow.
Anak Krakatau erupted on the morning of September 6 as ash spread into busy airspace between Java and Sumatra. Indonesian authorities suspended operations at Jakarta’s two airports and six others because airborne ash can endanger aircraft engines and visibility. BBC News and AP News separately reported the same eruption, disruption at eight airports and ash in the airspace.[1], [2]
Because Soekarno-Hatta is the country’s main international gateway, the closure spread beyond domestic routes. BBC News reported that about 170,000 passengers were stranded. AP News said 1,558 flights had been cancelled by Sunday evening, including 963 at Soekarno-Hatta. Beyond totals that could change, the shared finding was that ash halted operations at eight airports.[1], [2]
The civil aviation authority said it was monitoring ash impacts and coordinating with airlines, airport operators, air navigation services and the meteorology agency. AP News reported that all eight airports were ordered closed until Monday morning. The Geological Agency said repeated eruptions indicated a continuing supply of magma and volcanic gases underground, but officials could not predict whether a larger eruption would occur.[2]
