Anak Krakatau Eruption Grounds 1,558 Flights Across Eight Indonesian Airports

Key points

• Soekarno-Hatta International Airport near Jakarta suspended operations until 5:30 pm local time on September 6, 2026, due to volcanic ash detected in its airspace.
• The suspension affected 301 flights at the main airport, with the broader national closure impacting 1,558 flights and stranding approximately 170,000 passengers.
• Singapore Airlines cancelled all flights to and from Jakarta for the remainder of the day, while Qantas reported disruptions to its services.
• Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency, BNPB, initiated cloud-seeding operations to encourage rain and wash away the ash, stating that heavy rain would quickly clear the disruption.
• Authorities confirmed there was no imminent tsunami risk from the eruption, despite the volcano’s history of triggering tsunamis in 2018.
• Ash plumes reached 6,000 meters on the Java side and 15,000 meters on the Sumatra side, causing eye irritation for residents and cancelling school activities and fishing trips.

Background

Mount Anak Krakatau, meaning 'Child of Krakatau,' emerged from the sea in the 1920s within the caldera left by the catastrophic 1883 eruption of Mount Krakatoa, one of the deadliest volcanic events in recorded history. The volcano has been sporadically active since then, including a 2018 eruption that triggered a partial collapse of its crater and a tsunami that killed more than 400 people. Recent archive reports from September 2026 indicated ongoing volcanic activity with ash plumes reaching flight level 450, prompting earlier advisories for aviation monitoring.

How outlets are covering it

Al Jazeera reported that the suspension at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport affected 301 flights, including 58 international services, and noted that Singapore Airlines cancelled flights for the rest of the day. BBC reported a broader impact, stating that 1,558 flights were delayed and approximately 170,000 passengers were stranded across eight airports, with specific mention of disruptions to routes to Doha, Sydney, and Kuala Lumpur. The Guardian highlighted that 22,000 passengers and 209 flights were affected, with at least 16 domestic flights to Bali cancelled, and noted that Qantas reported disruptions to its services. All sources agreed on the ash plume heights and the decision to close airports, but differed in the total number of affected flights and passengers, with BBC providing the highest figures. Al Jazeera and The Guardian both cited the airport operator Angkasa Pura for flight suspension details, while BBC referenced the transport ministry for the broader delay figures.

Why it matters

The eruption highlights the significant aviation risks posed by volcanic ash, which can damage jet engines and reduce visibility, leading to widespread flight cancellations and passenger stranding. The response, including cloud-seeding to clear ash, demonstrates the measures taken to mitigate the impact of natural disasters on critical infrastructure. The event also underscores the ongoing activity of the Anak Krakatau volcano, which remains a potential hazard for the region, particularly given its history of triggering tsunamis. The disruption affects not only aviation but also local communities, with schools and fishermen cancelling activities due to ash-related health issues.

What to watch

Authorities are monitoring the ash plume and expect operations to resume once conditions allow, with the transport ministry urging airlines to speed up refund processes for affected passengers. The BNPB is continuing cloud-seeding operations to clear the ash, and residents in affected areas are advised to stay indoors and wear face masks to protect against respiratory and skin risks. Further eruptions may occur, as two were recorded on Sunday, and monitoring will continue to assess any changes in volcanic activity or ash dispersion.