What to do when your flight is cancelled
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau has affected flight operations in several parts of Indonesia. The spread of volcanic ash forced a number of airports to close temporarily in order to safeguard aviation.
The Ministry of Transport said on Sunday (6/9) that eight airports were affected by the temporary closures: Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Tangerang, Halim Perdanakusuma in Jakarta, Radin Inten II in Lampung, Husein Sastranegara in Bandung, Budiarto Curug in Tangerang, Pondok Cabe in South Tangerang, Taufik Kiemas in Pesisir Barat, Lampung, and Atung Bungsu in Pagar Alam. The closures were later extended until 09.00 WIB on Monday (7/9) because the spread of volcanic ash and wind direction remained dynamic.
The impact has been considerable. The Ministry of Transport recorded that as many as 1,558 flights were affected by the closure of the eight airports. A number of flights from other regions were also cancelled because the air routes to Jakarta and the affected areas were not yet safe to use.
At El Tari Airport in Kupang, for example, eight flights on the Kupang-Jakarta route and vice versa were cancelled on Monday morning. Airlines affected included Garuda Indonesia, Citilink, Batik Air and Super Air Jet. Passengers were given the option of rescheduling or a ticket refund in accordance with the airline’s terms and conditions.
The situation is a reminder that flight cancellations can happen at any time, particularly when weather factors, volcanic activity, technical problems or other safety concerns prevent aircraft from operating.
So, what should you do if your flight is suddenly cancelled?
- Do not panic straight away
The first thing to do is remain calm and seek official information. Flight cancellations can certainly disrupt travel plans, but airlines usually provide handling options for affected passengers.
Do not rely solely on information from social media or chain messages. Check the flight status via the airline’s application, official website, customer service, or airport staff.
It is important to know the reason for the cancellation, because the form of assistance may differ. Cancellations due to safety factors such as extreme weather or volcanic ash are certainly different from cancellations due to the airline’s operational reasons.
In the case of the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption, for example, airports were closed because the spread of volcanic ash could endanger flight safety. The government stressed that airports would only reopen once conditions were assessed as safe.
- Ask about reschedule or refund options
Once you have confirmation that your flight has indeed been cancelled, immediately ask the airline about the options available.
Generally, passengers may be offered a change of flight schedule or a refund in accordance with applicable terms. Minister of Transport Dudy Purwagandhi also asked airlines to fulfil the rights of passengers affected by airport closures through refund and reschedule services.
If your travel schedule can still be changed, rescheduling can be a practical option. However, if the journey is no longer needed, you can ask about the ticket refund mechanism.
- Do not rush to buy a new ticket
When a flight is cancelled, the urge to quickly find a replacement ticket is natural. However, it is best not to buy a new ticket straight away before knowing the options offered by the airline.
The airline may provide a replacement flight or transfer your flight to an alternative airport. During the closure of several airports due to the Anak Krakatau eruption, the Ministry of Transport prepared a number of alternative airports, including Kertajati, Juanda, Yogyakarta International Airport, as well as airports in Semarang and Solo. Passengers whose flights were diverted could also obtain alternative transport by road.
Keep your ticket, boarding pass if you have already checked in, proof of cancellation, and any communication with the airline. These documents can be useful when applying for a refund, reschedule or other services from the airline.
If you bought your ticket through a travel agent or booking platform, also check the cancellation procedures through that platform.
- Ask about accommodation and needs while waiting
If the cancellation means you have to wait a long time at the airport or even stay overnight, ask the airline about the forms of assistance provided to affected passengers.
Do not assume all airlines have the same policy. Make sure first what facilities are available and what the procedures are for obtaining them.
- Monitor the latest information before returning to the airport
The reopening of airports closed due to certain conditions may change according to the situation on the ground. Therefore, do not rely solely on the original schedule.
In the case of the Anak Krakatau eruption, the Ministry of Transport continued to monitor the spread of volcanic ash and periodically tested airport conditions. The government also stressed that safety is the priority before flight operations resume.
Therefore, before heading to the airport, make sure you check your flight status again through the airline’s official channels. This can spare you a wasted journey to the airport when your flight is still subject to delays or cancellation, as summarised from a number of sources.