A major eruption of the Anak Krakatau volcano in Indonesia has forced authorities to extend closures at several airports, leaving approximately 270,000 travelers stranded, according to BBC reporting.
The eruption, which began over the weekend, has blanketed regions with thick volcanic ash, creating hazardous conditions for aircraft. BBC reports that the closure of airports—including the main hub serving Jakarta—has been prolonged as ash clouds continue to drift across flight paths. The disruption has affected hundreds of flights, with cancellations rippling through domestic and international schedules.
The AP News agency notes that the volcanic island’s activity has grounded travel for thousands, while CNN puts the number of affected passengers at eight airports at 170,000, a figure that BBC’s later reporting has revised upward to 270,000. The discrepancy reflects the fast-moving nature of the event, with closures expanding as new ash emissions occur.
Anak Krakatau, a well-known volcanic island in the Sunda Strait, has a history of significant eruptions, including a deadly 2018 event that triggered a tsunami. The current eruption has not been reported to cause casualties, but the ash plume has proven disruptive to aviation, forcing officials to prioritize safety over schedule recovery.
The extended closure at Jakarta’s main airport, as highlighted by The Star and Standard Media, underscores the scale of the disruption. Travelers are being advised to check with airlines for rebooking options, though no clear timeline for reopening has been confirmed.
What to watch next: Whether ash emissions subside enough to allow a phased reopening of airports and how quickly airlines can clear the backlog of stranded passengers.
