Airport Shutdown and Impact
Indonesia's main international airport, Soekarno-Hatta near Jakarta, halted all flight operations on Sunday as volcanic ash from Anak Krakatoa drifted into its airspace. The transport ministry announced multiple extensions of the closure, with the airport expected to remain shut until at least 1:30 pm local time. The decision came after a paper test indicated the presence of volcanic ash in the airport area.[S1]
The closure impacted over 22,000 travelers and 209 flights, especially those connecting to and from Singapore. Additional international destinations affected were Doha, Sydney, and Kuala Lumpur. Local airport officials also reported that at least 16 domestic flights heading to Bali were canceled.[S1]
Volcanic Activity and Risks
Anak Krakatoa erupted on Saturday, producing lava and booming sounds audible up to 700 kilometers away, as reported by Indonesia's geology agency. Two additional eruptions were recorded on Sunday. The volcano, whose name means 'Child of Krakatoa,' sits in the strait between Java and Sumatra and has been sporadically active since emerging from the sea in the caldera formed after the catastrophic 1883 eruption of Mount Krakatoa, which killed an estimated 35,000 people.[S1]
Volcanic ash poses a serious threat to aircraft, as it can bake onto hot engine parts, wear down turbine blades, and clog fuel and air systems, as well as damage windscreens. Port authorities have also prohibited ships from approaching within a 3-kilometer radius of the volcano and urged vigilance.[S1]
