Anak Krakatau Eruption Strands 170,000 Passengers, 1,558 Flights Affected
The eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau has disrupted flight operations in several regions of Indonesia. A total of 170,000 passengers are now stranded after 1,558 flights experienced delays.
The government has extended the closure of eight affected airports until Sunday, 6 September 2026 at 24.00 WIB. The decision was taken after the government received the latest information on wind movements carrying volcanic ash.
The conditions were deemed necessary to consider in maintaining flight safety. Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation continues to coordinate with various aviation stakeholders to monitor the impact of Mount Anak Krakatau’s activity.
“The ash conditions this afternoon had winds blowing towards the west, now information from BMKG indicates winds are blowing towards the east at a speed of 5 knots at 15,000 feet. In view of this information and coordination with all aviation stakeholders, we have decided the eight airports will be closed until 24.00 WIB,” he said, quoted on Monday, 7 September 2026.
The eight affected airports are located in the Jakarta, Banten, Lampung, West Java and South Sumatra regions.
The airports are Soekarno-Hatta Tangerang, Halim Perdanakusuma Jakarta, Radin Inten II Lampung, Husein Sastranegara Bandung, Budiarto Curug Tangerang, Pondok Cabe South Tangerang, Taufik Kiemas in West Coast Lampung, and Atung Bungsu in Pagar Alam, South Sumatra.
The closure has had a direct impact on public travel. To date, the Ministry of Transport has recorded 1,558 delayed flights with around 170,000 affected passengers.
Despite the travel disruption, Dudy assured that passenger rights must still be fulfilled by airlines in accordance with applicable regulations.
Airlines are also required to provide information on changes to flight status as well as handling options for affected passengers.
The government has prepared a number of alternative airports to anticipate the impact of the closure of the eight airports. Kertajati, Juanda, YIA airports, as well as airports in Semarang and Solo are among the options prepared.
Passengers whose flights are diverted to alternative airports are not left to arrange their own transport. The government has prepared onward transport via land routes, including buses and trains.
“Free alternative transport. Whichever airport is to be used, InJourney will provide it, in coordination with Angkasa Pura and the airlines. Passengers will be informed by the airlines if the airlines wish to take off or land at an alternative airport,” he said.