Hundreds of flights have been suspended, stranding over 22,000 passengers, following volcanic eruptions from Mount Anak Krakatoa which sent ash into the airspace near Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.
Authorities reported that 209 flights were suspended on Sunday morning after the ash cloud was detected. The flight suspensions, which were extended until 13:30 GMT, primarily affected routes to and from Singapore, as well as international destinations including Doha, Sydney, and Kuala Lumpur. The volcanic activity began late Friday night with continuous seismic activity, lava fountains, and audible eruptions in surrounding areas. Two further eruptions were recorded early Sunday.
No tsunami warning has been issued in connection with the recent activity of the volcano, which is situated in the Sunda Strait between the islands of Java and Sumatra. Health officials have advised residents in affected areas to remain indoors and wear face masks to mitigate risks of respiratory, eye, and skin irritation from volcanic ash.
Mount Anak Krakatoa, a volcanic cone that emerged from the sea in the early 20th century within the caldera of the 1883 Krakatoa eruption, has been intermittently active. Indonesia is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for its high levels of volcanic and seismic activity.