gg2
Volcanic ash cloud halts Indonesian flights
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Indonesia's Soekarno-Hatta airport suspended flights after Anak Krakatau ash, affecting 209 flights.
Volcanic ash poses aviation hazard, disrupting travel for over 22,000 passengers.
Background
Mount Anak Krakatau, located in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra, has been erupting since late Friday, sending ash into the air. The ash drifted towards Jakarta, prompting the temporary closure of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport as a precaution because volcanic ash can damage aircraft engines and impair visibility. The eruption has also affected schools and fishermen in parts of Java and Sumatra.
How it unfolded
- Sep 5, 2026 (late Friday)Mount Anak Krakatau began erupting, with ash emissions detected.
- Sep 6, 2026 01:30Soekarno-Hatta International Airport closed under a Notice to Airmen due to volcanic ash.
- Sep 6, 2026 05:30Scheduled reopening time, but suspension extended.
- Sep 6, 2026 09:30Flight operations suspended until 9:30am local time, affecting 209 flights and over 22,000 passengers.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Indonesia's transport ministry said the suspension was precautionary as volcanic ash poses a significant hazard to aviation.
- Expert
- Authorities warned that flight schedules could face cascading disruptions affecting aircraft rotations and fleet availability.