Indonesia orders airlines to offer refunds and rebooking after Anak Krakatau eruption

Indonesia's transport minister has told every airline to facilitate refunds and rebooking for passengers affected by the temporary closure of eight airports after the eruption of Anak Krakatau.

"We have already conveyed that all airlines must facilitate passengers' rights to reschedule or refund their tickets," Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said in Jakarta on Sunday. He said he had not yet received reports on which airlines had processed refunds, but insisted that all operators must provide the service under existing rules.

The Transport Ministry said passengers whose flights were canceled because volcanic ash affected airport operations would receive a full, 100 percent refund. Lukman F Laisa, director general of air transportation, called the policy a public service measure designed to prevent passengers from suffering losses because of cancellations made for flight-safety reasons.

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We have already conveyed that all airlines must facilitate passengers' rights to reschedule or refund their tickets.

The ministry is also allowing airlines to use alternative airports while operations at the eight affected airports remain suspended. The listed airports include Kertajati in Majalengka, Ahmad Yani in Semarang, Juanda in Surabaya, Yogyakarta International Airport and Adi Soemarmo in Solo.

The government and InJourney Airports will provide free ground transport, including trains and buses, for passengers whose flights are diverted from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten. Airlines will notify passengers directly about diversions. Travelers can continue through the alternative airport selected by their airline or cancel their journey under the available service policies.

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Regarding cancellations or flight refunds, it applies 100 percent.