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Indonesia·Natural Disaster

Indonesia airports reopen after Anak Krakatau eruption strands 340,000 passengers

Wednesday, 9 September 2026, 06:37 · 1 min read

Indonesian airports have begun gradually resuming operations after the eruption of Anak Krakatau forced the closure of eight airports for two days, stranding around 341,000 passengers and disrupting nearly 3,000 flights. Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Jakarta's primary air travel hub, along with four other airports — including a smaller Jakarta facility and one serving the neighbouring city of Bandung — reopened early on Tuesday after volcanic ash was cleared from runways and other critical infrastructure. Two airports remained closed as of Tuesday morning.

Anak Krakatau began erupting late on Friday and remained active for approximately 25 hours, sending black plumes of volcanic ash drifting eastward over Jakarta — roughly 150 kilometres away — and across Lampung province in the southern part of Sumatra. The ash clouds prompted authorities to halt operations across the airport network, and long queues formed at departure halls as stranded passengers sought refunds and flight updates. The volcano continued to show activity on Tuesday, erupting at least three times during the morning alone, according to the head of the Geology Agency, Lana Saria. Volcanological authorities have warned that further eruptions remain possible.

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi cautioned that a full return to normal schedules would take time. With around 178 aircraft at Soekarno-Hatta during the closure period, each plane must undergo airworthiness inspections before being cleared to fly.

Sources
Euronews — Flights gradually resume in Indonesia after volcanic eruption forced two-day suspension ↗︎The Diplomat — Indonesia Reopens Airports After Suspension Due to Volcanic Eruption ↗︎
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