Anak Krakatau Eruption Causes Widespread Flight Cancellations Across Indonesia

On September 6, 2026, the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau resulted in the temporary closure of eight airports across Indonesia, including the major Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta. The closure was implemented following the release of volcanic ash that posed safety risks to aviation.

According to the Ministry of Transportation, the eruption led to the cancellation of 1,558 flights, impacting approximately 170,000 passengers. The affected airports include Soekarno-Hatta, Halim Perdanakusuma, Radin Inten II, Husein Sastranegara, Budiarto, Pondok Cabe, Taufik Kiemas, and Atung Bungsu. The closures were necessary to ensure passenger safety, as volcanic ash can severely disrupt aircraft operations.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation confirmed that as of 10:35 AM on September 6, 301 flights had been affected, with 202 of these at Soekarno-Hatta alone. The Ministry of Transportation's Minister, Dudy Purwagandhi, emphasized that the safety of passengers is the top priority, stating that they would not reopen airports if conditions were not safe.

“We will not force the reopening of airports if conditions are not safe.”Dudy Purwagandhi, Minister of Transportation

Reports indicate that the volcanic activity has been ongoing since September 4, with eruptions producing ash clouds that reached heights of up to 20,000 feet (approximately 6,000 meters). The ash spread across regions including Banten, Jakarta, West Java, and Lampung, prompting the authorities to take precautionary measures.

Passengers have expressed frustration over the lack of timely information regarding flight cancellations. Many reported learning about their flight status only upon arriving at the airport. For instance, one traveler stated that if the volcano erupted the previous night and there was a forecast of cancellations, they should have been informed earlier to avoid unnecessary trips to the airport.

In response to the situation, airlines such as Lion Air and Batik Air have canceled numerous flights and are offering rescheduling and refund options for affected passengers. The Ministry of Transportation has urged airlines to ensure that passenger rights are upheld during this disruption.

“If the volcano erupted last night and there was a forecast of cancellations, we should have been informed earlier.”Ersy Laksita Rini, affected passenger

As of September 6, the closure of Soekarno-Hatta was extended multiple times, with the latest estimate for reopening set for 11:59 PM local time. The Ministry has also prepared alternative airports, including Kertajati, Juanda, and Ahmad Yani, for rerouting flights.

AirNav Indonesia, the air navigation service provider, is closely monitoring the situation and has issued several Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) regarding the status of airspace and flight operations. They have emphasized that safety remains the highest priority during these volcanic events.

In light of the ongoing volcanic activity, the public is advised to stay informed through official channels and to avoid traveling to the affected airports until normal operations resume.