Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau Eruption Disrupts Flights as Volcanic Ash Spreads Across Region

A powerful eruption of Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau volcano has disrupted air travel and daily life across parts of the country, sending volcanic ash high into the atmosphere and prompting authorities to issue safety warnings.

The volcano, located in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra, entered a particularly intense eruptive phase in early September. The continuous eruption episode lasted around 25 hours, according to Indonesia’s Geological Agency, before activity shifted back to intermittent Strombolian eruptions. Authorities have warned that further eruptions remain possible.

Anak Krakatau Eruption Disrupts Air Travel

The eruption had a major impact on aviation.

Volcanic ash reached altitudes of up to 50,000 feet, forcing the temporary closure of eight airports, including Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. More than 1,500 flights and around 170,000 passengers were initially affected, according to Indonesia’s transport authorities.

Major airlines cancelled or altered services as ash clouds created risks for aircraft engines and aviation infrastructure.

By September 8, airports affected by the disruption had reopened as winds cleared the ash, although authorities continued inspecting aircraft and warned that delays could persist.

Ash Reaches Areas Far From the Volcano

The impact was not limited to the immediate area surrounding Anak Krakatau.

Volcanic ash was reported across parts of Banten and West Java, while residents experienced reduced air quality and eye irritation. Authorities advised people in affected areas to wear masks and eye protection, limit outdoor activity and protect water supplies from ash contamination.

Some schools suspended physical classes, with authorities in Jakarta and Lampung moving students to remote learning as a precaution.

Fishing activity was also temporarily affected, while maritime authorities instructed vessels to maintain a safe distance from the volcano.

No Immediate Tsunami Threat

Anak Krakatau carries a particularly sensitive history.

The volcano was formed from the remains of the famous Krakatau, whose catastrophic 1883 eruption produced massive tsunamis and killed tens of thousands of people.

In December 2018, another Anak Krakatau eruption caused an underwater landslide that triggered a tsunami, killing more than 400 people in Indonesia.

However, authorities said there was no immediate tsunami threat from the current eruption. Indonesian volcanology officials have also said the present structure of Anak Krakatau is not considered likely to produce the same type of catastrophic collapse seen in 2018.

Volcano Remains on High Alert

Anak Krakatau remains at Alert Level 3, the second-highest level on Indonesia's four-level volcanic warning system.

The Indonesian Geological Agency said the intense 25-hour eruption ended early on September 6, but activity subsequently returned to Strombolian-style eruptions. Officials warned that the probability of additional eruptions remains high.

Indonesia's location along the Pacific Ring of Fire means volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are a recurring hazard. The country has more than 100 active volcanoes, making continuous monitoring and emergency preparedness essential.

Other Indonesian Volcanoes Also Active

The Anak Krakatau eruption is occurring alongside heightened activity at several other Indonesian volcanoes.

Mount Semeru, on Java, also erupted during the same period, while Merapi, Lewotobi Laki-laki and Sinabung were also listed at Alert Level 3.

Volcanic ash advisories also continued to be issued for several Indonesian volcanoes, including Semeru and Krakatau, showing the broader level of volcanic activity across the country.

What Happens Next?

For now, Indonesian authorities are focusing on monitoring ash movement, protecting aviation operations and keeping residents away from hazardous areas.

The immediate disruption caused by the major ash cloud has eased, but officials remain cautious because Anak Krakatau continues to show eruptive activity.

The latest episode is another reminder of the unusual geological environment Indonesia occupies — a country where volcanic activity is both a natural part of the landscape and a continuing public-safety challenge.

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