Anak Krakatau ashfall cancels 528 international flights

The ash plume from Mount Anak Krakatau disrupted 528 international flights between September 5 and 7, affecting 86,760 passengers, Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration said.

The figure included 254 canceled arrivals and 266 canceled departures. Foreign nationals whose flights were canceled or diverted can apply for Emergency Stay Permits, known as ITKTs, if the disruption causes them to overstay their visas or stay permits.

Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko said the permits would be processed quickly and free of charge. The zero-rupiah overstay tariff applies when delays or cancellations result from force majeure, including the eruption. “We understand the hardship and inconvenience experienced by passengers as a result of these flight disruptions,” he said.

As of September 7, the Soekarno-Hatta Class I Special Immigration Office had processed 26 applications. It added a second counter to double capacity. Other applications were handled by offices in Central Jakarta, North Jakarta, Depok, South Jakarta, Ngurah Rai, Juanda, Bekasi and Tangerang.

The immigration office responsible for the departure checkpoint will issue permits valid for up to 30 days, with extensions possible under existing regulations. Applicants or airline representatives must submit an official declaration from civil aviation, an airline or an airport, along with travel documents and current visas or stay permits.

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We understand the hardship and inconvenience experienced by passengers as a result of these flight disruptions.