Indonesia Cancels Flights as Anak Krakatau Erupts

Hundreds of flights were canceled after Anak Krakatau erupted early Sunday, sending volcanic ash across Jakarta and parts of southern Sumatra. The volcano lies more than 150 kilometers from Jakarta's international airport.

The eruption produced a fountain of lava and loud sounds that could be heard up to 700 kilometers away, Indonesia's geological agency said. The country's meteorological agency detected ash at heights of up to 6,000 meters on the Java side of the volcano and up to 15,000 meters toward Sumatra and parts of Banten province.

Authorities suspended operations at six airports. Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Indonesia's largest airport, halted flights from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. because of volcanic ash. Bandung's Husein Sastranegara Airport later became the latest facility to close after showing signs of disruption.

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Due to increased activity from the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport has temporarily suspended flight operations from 5:30 a.m. to 9.30 a.m.

The transport ministry said 209 flights were affected, particularly services to and from Singapore, disrupting travel for more than 22,000 passengers. Ash also spread over parts of Jakarta and Lampung province on Sumatra.

No casualties were reported and authorities issued no evacuation orders. The nearest township is more than 16 kilometers away, but residents and visitors were warned to remain at least three kilometers from the active crater. Two further eruptions were recorded on Sunday. Anak Krakatau, meaning “Child of Krakatau,” is the offspring of the volcano whose 1883 eruption triggered a period of global cooling.

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The Husein Sastranegara Airport in Bandung showed indications of being affected. Consequently, we have declared the airport closed to flights.