Indonesia’s volcano eruption on Mount Anak Krakatau has caused major problems in air travel with about 170,000 passengers impacted when the country’s authorities shut down eight airports after the eruption released dangerous volcanic ash. Over 1,500 flights were postponed and cancelled, causing widespread disruptions to both domestic and international passengers.
The affected airports comprise Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in Jakarta as well as airports in West Java, Lampung and South Sumatra. This was sufficient to impact over 900 flights at Soekarno-Hatta. The closures were ordered out of safety concerns due to volcanic ash having the potential to seriously impact the engines of aircraft and their ability to see what lies ahead on the runway.
Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau volcano, which lies in the Sunda Strait, between Java and Sumatra, has been flaring up with more activity since Friday. On the Sumatra side, ash plumes lifted up to 50,000 ft and extended towards Jakarta and other parts of the area. The volcano had another eruption on Sunday evening, and the authorities have warned that there might still be some more eruptions.
The eruption has also caused disruption to daily life to areas under ash. The authorities have urged wearing masks and not going out unless necessary and have closed schools in parts of the affected region to virtual classes. The fishing and maritime industry has also been affected, as the boats have been advised to avoid the restricted area of the volcano.
The rerouting plans involving re-direction of passengers through alternate airports such as in Kertajati, Semarang, Surabaya, and Yogyakarta are being put in place by the airline and airport operators. But officials have said the reopening plans have been a work in progress due to the inevitable shifting weather conditions and winds that can soon affect movement of volcanic ash.
The handling of Anak Krakatau is still monitored. The latest eruption has been reported with no casualties or evacuation orders reported except to stay away from the restricted area and to follow aviation and public-safety guidance.
