Current Situation at Soekarno-Hatta Airport During Closure Until 09:30 WIB

Numerous passengers were seen stranded at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (Soetta) during its closure until 09:30 WIB on Sunday (6/9), following the dispersal of volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau.

Reports from the scene around 07:00 WIB indicated that passengers were gathered around the check-in counters at Terminal 3. Waiting areas were at full capacity, with some passengers forced to sit on the floor. Long queues remained at the check-in counters as passengers attempted to process their travel, amidst continuous announcements regarding the temporary suspension of airport activities. Passengers were urged to remain calm and await further updates.

One passenger, Randi (29), who was scheduled to fly to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, at 11:00 WIB, confirmed that his flight had been cancelled. He noted that he had not yet received official word regarding the status of his rescheduled flight and chose to wait at the airport to monitor operational developments.

According to an official release from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Soekarno-Hata International Airport was temporarily closed from 01:30 WIB to 09:30 WIB, as per NOTAM Number A3341/26. This airspace closure was a response to paper test results conducted between 00:35 WIB and 01:05 WIB on Sunday (6/9), which showed positive indications of volcanic ash distribution from Mount Anak Krakatau.

Subsequent paper tests conducted by the Class I Soekarno-Hatta Meteorological Station between 06:05 WIB and 06:35 WIB also confirmed the presence of volcanic ash in the airport area, leading to the extension of the closure until 09:30 WIB, in accordance with NOTAM Numbers A3344/26 and A3341/26.

Based on updated data as of 05:30 WIB on 6 September, the airport authorities confirmed that all aircraft remaining overnight (RON) are in a safe condition. A total of 170 aircraft are stationed on the apron, comprising 66 aircraft at Terminal 1, 51 at Terminal 2, 49 at Terminal 3, and 4 cargo aircraft. Under the airspace closure NOTAM for the period of 01:30 to 09:30 WIB, a total of 209 flight movements were affected.