Volcano eruption triggers flight suspensions at Indonesia’s main airport

Hundreds of flights were suspended and thousands of passengers were stranded after volcanic ash blanketed Indonesia's main international airport. Airlines suspended 209 flights on Sunday morning due to volcanic ash spewing from the Anak Krakatau volcano near Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta. The volcano began erupting late Friday night, followed by continuous seismic activity, lava flows, and loud noises that echoed across surrounding areas. Authorities confirmed two more consecutive eruptions occurred on Sunday morning. This temporary suspension of flights caused delays for over 22,000 passengers, and the suspension period was extended until 1:30 PM. According to a statement from the Ministry of Transportation, many of the suspended flights were to Singapore, and other international routes including Doha, Sydney, and Kuala Lumpur were also affected. Authorities stated that no tsunami warning has been issued due to the eruption of the volcano located in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra islands. The Ministry of Health urged local residents to stay indoors and wear masks to avoid respiratory, eye, and skin irritation. The volcano is one that emerged from beneath the sea after the eruption of the great Krakatoa volcano in 1883. This volcano, which emerged in the early 20th century, is an active volcano that frequently erupts ash and lava. Indonesia is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area prone to volcanic and seismic activity. Relevant airlines and airport authorities are currently closely monitoring weather and ash spewing conditions.