Indonesia’s main airport suspends operations after Anak Krakatoa eruption

Thousands of passengers were stranded after Indonesia suspended operations at its main international airport because ash from Anak Krakatoa reached surrounding airspace.

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, outside Jakarta, initially halted flights from 1:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. on Sunday. Authorities extended the suspension three times, with the latest extension lasting until 5:30 p.m. because of increased eruptive activity, the airport said.

“

Everybody was disappointed.

Anak Krakatoa erupted on Saturday, sending lava into the air and producing booming sounds that the geology agency said could be heard hundreds of kilometres away. The volcanology agency recorded two more eruptions on Sunday.

The Transportation Ministry said more than 22,000 passengers were affected and 209 flights disrupted, particularly flights to and from Singapore. Routes involving Doha, Sydney and Kuala Lumpur were also affected. At least 16 domestic flights to and from Bali were cancelled.

Operations also stopped at five other airports, including Hussein Sastranegara in Bandung and Radin Inten II near Bandar Lampung on Sumatra. Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said airports in Semarang and Surabaya had been prepared as alternatives for landing.

“

No one flew into a rage, because after all, this is due to a natural disaster.

Some passengers searched for replacement flights. Henny Yensan, who had hoped to return home with her mother, said, “Everybody was disappointed.” She added, “No one flew into a rage, because after all, this is due to a natural disaster.” Danone executive Samuel Guiberteau said an alternative Citilink flight he found was also cancelled, leaving him in Lombok for the time being.

Ships passing through the strait between Java and Sumatra were told to increase vigilance because volcanic activity could affect navigation. Vessels were barred from approaching the exclusion zone.

“

Nothing is certain for the moment.