Soekarno-Hatta and Halim Airports Closed: Three Alternative Landing Locations Identified
The Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) has diverted the landing of several international and domestic flights to alternative airports. This measure was taken following the closure of six major airports across the Lampung, Banten, Jakarta, and West Java regions due to the impact of volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau.
Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi explained that transport authorities have prepared landing infrastructure in areas declared safe from exposure to eruptive material. He emphasised that all airline operators have been instructed to remain vigilant regarding weather dynamics and to avoid forcing flights if technical conditions on the ground are unfavourable.
“We also need to inform the public that two Garuda Indonesia flights from Jeddah and Medina have had their landings diverted to Kertajati Airport. Based on paper tests conducted at Kertlagi Airport, the airport has not yet been affected and remains viable,” he stated during a press conference on Sunday (6/9/2026).
The government has placed several emergency landing points on standby to accommodate the mobility needs of people travelling to Jakarta and its surrounding areas. In addition to Kertajati, the Ministry of Transportation is coordinating the readiness of airports in Central Java and East Java to receive diverted routes from outside Java as well as international routes.
“We are also offering other airlines the possibility of operating outside the affected airports, considering that many people still wish to fly, particularly to Jakarta. We have prepared alternatives such as Kertajati, Semarang Ahmad Yani, and Surabaya Juanda,” he explained.
The airport closures are being implemented gradually based on the results of periodic volcanic ash exposure testing. Following the closure of five airports, the Ministry of Transportation officially closed operations at Husein Sastranegara Airport in Bandung at 12:00 WIB, as it showed signs of being affected by the ash dispersal.
“Under current conditions, we are providing updates based on information received. Following tests at 12:00, Husein Sastranegara Airport in Bandung indicated it was affected; therefore, we have declared the airport closed to flights as of 12:00,” he said.
Regarding passenger services, the Ministry has instructed airlines to expedite cancellation notifications and electronic refund processes. This is intended to prevent passengers from congregating at the closed airports.
“Cancellations or refunds can be processed electronically. Passengers should provide their contact information, such as email or mobile numbers, to the airlines so that cancellation and refund information can be communicated as quickly as possible,” he concluded.