A volcanic eruption at Mount Anak Krakatau has disrupted flights across Indonesia, causing delays and cancellations for Australian travellers, including at least six services to and from Perth Airport.
The volcano, in the Sunda Strait near Lampung, erupted early on Sunday, sending ash across parts of southern Sumatra and towards Jakarta. Authorities temporarily halted operations at the capital’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport after ash was detected in the area.
Indonesia’s transport ministry said the disruption had affected 467 flights and left about 150,000 passengers waiting across several airports. Soekarno-Hatta, Halim Perdanakusuma and airports in Lampung, Bandung and nearby areas were among those affected.
Officials said airport closures and flight restrictions were being imposed as a safety measure while the spread of volcanic ash was assessed. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation was coordinating with airlines, airport operators, air navigation services and the country’s meteorology agency.
Indonesia’s meteorological agency said ash had been identified at different altitudes, with some material moving towards Jakarta, Banten and West Java, while higher concentrations were travelling across Lampung and the Indian Ocean.
Australian travellers warned to check flights
Australia’s Smartraveller service warned that airports in affected areas could close at short notice and that flights might be delayed or cancelled. Travellers were advised to monitor their flight status and confirm arrangements with their airline or travel provider before setting out.
The advisory also warned that volcanic ash could affect air quality. People with asthma or other respiratory conditions were urged to take extra care and follow advice issued by local authorities.
Airlines have begun cancelling and rescheduling services to Jakarta as the situation develops. Malaysia Airlines said a number of flights between Kuala Lumpur and the Indonesian capital would not operate on Sunday, while AirAsia also reported changes to selected services.
Indonesian authorities said they were continuing to monitor the eruption and the movement of ash, with airport operations subject to further changes as conditions evolve.
