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Volcanic eruption disrupts Indonesian air travel, leaving more than 270,000 passengers stranded

From Asharq Al-Awsat · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

Newswire Named sources Ongoing story
  • A volcanic eruption disrupted flights across Indonesia, with Jakarta and other airports extending closures after ash entered airspace.
  • More than 270,000 passengers were stranded after eight airports halted operations over the weekend, the transport ministry said.
  • Indonesia’s geology agency warned that the eruption threat remained high because of possible heavy ashfall, incandescent rocks and lava flows.

Airports in Jakarta and three other Indonesian locations delayed reopening on Monday after a volcanic eruption halted operations and stranded more than 270,000 passengers. Mount Anak Krakatau, about 150 kilometers from the capital, erupted on Saturday, sending lava and volcanic ash into the air.

Eight airports had suspended operations over the weekend after detecting ash in their airspace, disrupting thousands of flights. The transport ministry said the figures covered cancellations, delays and diversions recorded since Sept. 5, 2026.

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

· Indonesia’s transport ministryThe ministry explained the figures for the eruption-related disruption.

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

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

· Michel MieggeThe Italian tourist described uncertainty after his flight home was canceled.

Soekarno-Hatta reported that more than 240 domestic and international flights had been canceled or delayed by Monday morning, affecting nearly 30,000 passengers. Travelers described uncertainty over whether to remain in Jakarta or search for alternative flights, while some hotels near the airport were fully booked.

Indonesia’s geology agency said the probability of another eruption remained high. Agency head Lana Saria warned of incandescent rocks accompanied by heavy ashfall, as well as lava flows if the eruption resumed and continued. Airport spokesman Yudhistiawan said the operator was focused on meeting passengers’ needs during the temporary closure.

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.

· Lana SariaThe head of Indonesia’s geology agency outlined the continuing hazards.
About this summary

Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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