Indonesian Airports Reopen After Volcanic Ash Disruption
All eight Indonesian airports that were temporarily closed due to volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau have resumed operations as of September 8. The reopening includes Jakarta's main international gateway, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, and Halim Perdanakusuma airport, according to official Notices to Airmen issued by AirNav Indonesia.
The closures, which began after Anak Krakatau erupted on September 4, affected nearly 3,000 flights and approximately 341,000 passengers over three days. Airlines now face a significant backlog as they work to rebook displaced travellers and restore normal schedules.
What caused the airport closures in Indonesia?
Anak Krakatau, located in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra, began erupting on September 4. Volcanic ash spread towards Jakarta, forcing the temporary closure of Soekarno-Hatta and several other airports. The ash cloud reached altitudes of up to 50,000 feet on September 7, before descending to 7,000 feet by the morning of September 8.
How are airlines managing the disruption?
Singapore Airlines announced on September 8 that it would add eight relief flights between Singapore and Jakarta to assist affected passengers, subject to seat availability. Affected travellers will be progressively rebooked on the next available flights as services resume. However, disruptions continued on September 8, with one Jakarta-Singapore flight cancelled and six services retimed.
Coordinating Infrastructure and Regional Development Minister Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono confirmed that passengers whose flights were cancelled are entitled to full refunds, including those who booked through online travel agents. Free buses and trains are being provided for passengers diverted through alternative airports.
When will flight schedules return to normal?
Aviation analysts caution that recovery may take time. Polana Pramesti of the Indonesian Aviation Association explained:
“When an airport is opened, it means that operationally the airport can be used, but it does not necessarily mean that all flights will immediately return to normal. Recovery of the flight network can take several hours or even longer.”Prolonged closures can leave aircraft and crews in incorrect locations, while crew duty-hour limits and rebooking requirements can further slow the process.
What is the current status of Anak Krakatau?
Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported improving conditions on September 8. Paper tests at all eight airports were negative for volcanic ash as of 6am. Anak Krakatau remains active, with a small eruption recorded at 7.49am on September 8 lasting 19 seconds, though volcanic activity has declined compared with previous days.
How is the Indonesian government responding?
President Prabowo Subianto stated on September 7 that the eruption, along with a recent earthquake in Flores and ongoing forest fires, demonstrates the need for increased spending on disaster mitigation. He ordered officials to develop a comprehensive disaster mitigation master plan, including additional helicopters, water pumps, fire engines, excavators, and aircraft for weather modification.
“This is our destiny - a country that lies in the Ring of Fire. This means we must be prepared to face situations like these at all times,” Prabowo said. “We must prepare to deal with and mitigate disasters. Do not wait until they happen.”
AirNav Indonesia continues to monitor Anak Krakatau and the spread of volcanic ash, and will issue further aviation updates as conditions change.