Volcanic ash delays flights carrying 3,450 Indonesian Umrah pilgrims

Volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau has disrupted flights at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, affecting 3,450 Umrah pilgrims.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said it was coordinating with the airport operator, airlines and Umrah travel organizers to protect the pilgrims and manage the disruption. The ash spread across the Sunda Strait and Banten, prompting aviation authorities to prioritize passenger safety and place flight schedules on hold.

Of the affected pilgrims, 1,859 were scheduled to depart on 28 flights, while 1,591 were scheduled to arrive on 27 flights. The flights involved major airlines including Saudia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Scoot, Emirates and Oman Air.

The disruption worsened a decline in Umrah flight operations that had already begun on Sept. 6. On that day, only two departure flights operated, with no arrival flights.

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The spread of volcanic ash across the Sunda Strait and Banten requires air-navigation authorities to prioritize the safety of prospective passengers, making schedule adjustments and operational holds unavoidable.