Jakarta Airports Resume Operations After Volcanic Disruptions

Air travel to and from Jakarta saw a revival early Tuesday, September 8, 2026, following the reopening of major airports that had been closed for two days due to the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau. The volcanic activity had led to the cancellation of nearly 3,000 flights and left many passengers stranded.

Airports Reopen Amid Ongoing Volcanic Activity

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Halim Perdanakusuma Airport, and Husein Sastranegara Airport in Bandung were cleared for operations just after midnight on Tuesday, as announced by Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi. However, three smaller airports, including Radin Inten II Airport in Lampung, remained closed until 10 a.m. due to the need for thorough inspections and the dynamic nature of wind patterns.

Flight Disruptions and Safety Precautions

The recent eruption of Anak Krakatau, which is a notable active volcano located between the islands of Java and Sumatra, caused significant disruptions, impacting 2,961 flights, including 622 international ones, and affecting approximately 341,000 passengers. Despite tests indicating no volcanic ash at several airports, authorities emphasized the importance of safety, opting for extended closures to ensure all surfaces and equipment were adequately cleared of ash.

As a precautionary measure, schools in the ash-affected regions have been permitted to transition to online learning to safeguard students from exposure. The volcanic island, which remains at Indonesia’s second-highest alert level, has a history of dangerous eruptions, including a devastating tsunami in 2018 that resulted in significant loss of life.

Source: www.thehindu.com