Airports Closed: The Serious Effects of Volcanic Ash on Aircraft Engines
Four airports remain closed after being affected by volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau. Volcanic ash is indeed capable of damaging aircraft engines, even causing them to shut down.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the entry of volcanic ash into aircraft engines can cause extremely serious damage.
Based on monitoring of 79 incidents in which aircraft encountered volcanic ash, the sharp particles of volcanic ash can erode (abrade) the compressor fan blades as they are sucked into the engine.
In addition, the glassy silicate material contained in volcanic ash has a melting point lower than the combustion temperature of modern jet engines.
As a result, ash particles that are drawn in melt rapidly and accumulate as deposits that resolidify in the cooler parts of the engine.
These dark glass deposits can form on the leading edges of the high-pressure turbine nozzle guide vanes, whilst ash that does not melt can build up on the high-pressure turbine rotor.
Furthermore, the accumulation of ash reduces engine performance and can even cause an in-flight compressor stall and loss of thrust power.
Of the various recorded incidents, there have been nine cases in which aircraft engines failed (shut down) mid-flight due to volcanic ash.
One example is an aircraft that lost power in all four of its turbines as a result of the eruption of Mount Redoubt in Alaska in 1989.
Four Airports Closed
As previously reported, flight closures at four airports affected by volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau have been extended until 18.00 WIB.
“In connection with the increasing eruptive activity of Mount Anak Krakatau, several airports of PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia (InJourney Airports) have suspended flight operations until 7 September 2026 at 18.00 WIB,” PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia wrote on its Instagram account on Monday (7/9/2026).
Four airports have had their flights suspended. Passengers are advised to monitor flight status regularly with the relevant airlines or contact the InJourney Airport Contact Centre.
The flights at the following four airports are closed:
Soekarno-Hatta Airport (CGK), until 7 September, 18.00 WIB
Halim Perdanakusuma Airport (HLP), until 7 September, 18.00 WIB
Radin Inten II Airport (TKG), until 7 September, 18.00 WIB
Husein Sastranegara Airport (BDO), until 7 September, 18.00 WIB
As is known, Mount Anak Krakatau erupted again on Sunday evening (6/9). The eruption was recorded at 20.23 WIB.