Volcanic ash strands hundreds of thousands as Indonesian airports delay reopening

Jakarta’s main airport and three others delayed reopening on Monday after Mount Anak Krakatau erupted, leaving hundreds of thousands of travelers stranded across Indonesia.

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These figures are the cumulative operational impact since 5 September 2026 and cover flights that have been canceled, delayed, or diverted.

The volcano, about 150 kilometers from the capital, erupted on Saturday, sending a fountain of lava and a plume of ash into the air. Eight airports had halted operations over the weekend after ash was detected in their airspace. The transport ministry said the disruption had affected more than 270,000 passengers through canceled, delayed and diverted flights since September 5, 2026.

At least four airports, including Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, extended their closures until 6 p.m. Monday, operator Angkasa Pura said. Halim Perdanakusuma, which handles both civilian and military flights, also remained closed. A smaller airport in southern Sumatra resumed operations at 9 a.m.

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We don't have any news from the airline. We don't know if we stay another day in Jakarta or find another flight.

More than 240 domestic and international flights had been canceled or delayed at Soekarno-Hatta alone on Monday morning, affecting nearly 30,000 passengers. Travelers described uncertainty over hotels and replacement flights. Italian tourist Michel Miegge said he and his girlfriend had found a nearby hotel but did not know whether they would stay another day in Jakarta or find another flight. French painter Carol Odile said her group remained optimistic about reaching Flores to see Komodo dragons after their flight was canceled.

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We discovered our flight was delayed yesterday morning when we arrived at the airport because we didn't know about the volcanic eruption. We are disappointed, but our group is optimistic, so we hope we can go to Flores Island very soon.

Airport spokesman Yudhistiawan said officials were focused on meeting passengers’ needs during the temporary closure. Indonesia’s geology agency warned that the eruption threat remained high, citing the risk of incandescent rocks, heavy ashfall and lava flows if the eruption resumed and continued.

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The threat from an eruption comes from the ejection of incandescent rocks accompanied by heavy ashfall. Another potential hazard arises from lava flows if the eruption resumes and continues.